Systems for generating water using exogenously generated heat, exogenously generated electricity, and exhaust process fluids and related methods therefor

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for generating water for an end user are provided herein. The systems include a water generating unit that utilizes and/or controls internal heat sources, as well as external heat, electricity, and/or fluid sources, in response to ambient conditions. The systems may be monitored, optimized, and controlled remotely.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Pat. Application Serial No.16/411,048 filed May 13, 2019 entitled “SYSTEMS FOR GENERATING WATERUSING EXOGENOUSLY GENERATED HEAT, EXOGENOUSLY GENERATED ELECTRICITY, ANDEXHAUST PROCESS FLUIDS AND RELATED METHODS THEREFOR,” which claimspriority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No.62/670,392 filed May 11, 2018 entitled “SYSTEMS FOR GENERATING WATERUSING EXOGENOUSLY GENERATED HEAT, EXOGENOUSLY GENERATED ELECTRICITY, ANDEXHAUST PROCESS FLUIDS AND RELATED METHODS THEREFOR,” and U.S.Provisional Pat. Application No. 62/670,408 filed May 11, 2018 entitled“SYSTEMS FOR GENERATING WATER USING EXOGENOUSLY GENERATED HEAT,EXOGENOUSLY GENERATED ELECTRICITY, AND EXHAUST PROCESS FLUIDS ANDRELATED METHODS THEREFOR,” each of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Devices and methods for obtaining water from atmospheric humidity havebeen described. However, generating water from air can be improved usingadditional sources when conditions are less than optimal, such as whenan ambient air temperature or air relative humidity are low. Theseadditional sources may be provided by other devices and systemsoperating in the surrounding environment.

Provided herein are systems and methods for generating water using awater from air device with additional external sources of process fluid,heat, and electricity.

SUMMARY

A water generating system is disclosed herein. In various embodiments,the water generating system comprises a water generating unit comprisinga first endogenous heat source configured to generate heat, adesiccation device coupled the first endogenous heat source, a condensercoupled to the desiccation device, and one or more of: an exhaustprocess fluid source coupled to a blower of the water generating unit,an exogenous electricity source configured to generate electricity usedby a second endogenous heat source of the water generating unit, whereinthe second endogenous heat source is configured to generate heat, and anexogenous heat source coupled to the water generating unit andconfigured to generate heat.

In various embodiments, the water generating further comprises a heatexchanger configured to receive heat from the exogenous heat source. Invarious embodiments, the first endogenous heat source comprises a solarthermal heater. In various embodiments, the first endogenous heat sourcefurther comprises a photovoltaic cell configured to generateelectricity. In various embodiments, the second endogenous heat sourceis an electric heater. In various embodiments, the second endogenousheat source is configured to receive electricity generated by one ormore of: the photovoltaic cell and the exogenous electricity source.

In various embodiments, the water generating unit further comprises: aheat generator coupled to the desiccation device, wherein thedesiccation device comprises a desiccant and a housing, and wherein thehousing defines an adsorption zone and a desorption zone, a condensercoupled to the desiccation device and to the heat generator, a blowerconfigured to receive a process fluid and move the process fluid to theadsorption zone of the desiccation device, a circulator configured toreceive a regeneration fluid and operably move and repeatedly cycle theregeneration fluid from the heat generator to the desorption zone of thedesiccation device to the condenser, and back to the heat generator, andan actuator configured to operably move and repeatedly cycle thedesiccant, or portions thereof, between the adsorption zone anddesorption zone to capture water from the process fluid received at theadsorption zone and to desorb water into the regeneration fluid receivedat the desorption zone.

In various embodiments, the water generating system further comprises acontrol system, wherein the control system is configured to control oneor more of: use, by the water generating unit, of heat generated by thefirst endogenous heat source; use, by the water generating unit, of heatgenerated by the second endogenous heat source; use, by the watergenerating unit, of heat received by the heat exchanger; use, by thewater generating unit, of exhaust process fluid generated by the exhaustprocess fluid source; use, by the water generating unit, of electricitygenerated by the exogenous heat source; use, by the water generatingunit, of heat generated by the exogenous heat source; a speed at whichthe blower moves the process fluids; a speed at which the circulatormoves the regeneration fluid; and a speed at which the actuator movesthe desiccant element.

In various embodiments, the water generating unit control systemcommunicates with one or more sensors, wherein the one or more sensorsare configured to detect one or more of: an ambient air temperature atthe water generating unit, an ambient air relative humidity at the watergenerating unit; a temperature of the exhaust process fluid; atemperature of the heat generated by the first endogenous heat source; atemperature of the heat generated by the second endogenous heat source;a heat rate of flow of the heat generated by the first endogenous heatsource; a heat rate of flow of the heat generated by the secondendogenous heat source; a temperature of the heat received by the heatexchanger; and a heat rate of flow of the heat received by the heatexchanger.

In various embodiments, the water generating unit control system employsa control algorithm configured to determine optimal control conditionsfor one or more of the blower, the circulator, and the actuator,relative to each other, as a function of one or more of: the ambient airtemperature at the water generating unit; the ambient air relativehumidity at the water generating unit; the temperature of the exhaustprocess fluid; a relative humidity of the exhaust process fluid; thetemperature of the heat generated by the first endogenous heat source;the heat rate of flow of the heat generated by the first endogenous heatsource; the temperature of the heat generated by the second endogenousheat source; the heat rate of flow of the heat generated by the secondendogenous heat source; the temperature of the heat received by the heatexchanger; and the heat rate of flow of the heat received by the heatexchanger.

In various embodiments, a method of generating water using a watergenerating system is disclosed herein. In various embodiments, themethod comprises evaluating whether to use exogenous electricity togenerate water with a water generating unit, wherein the watergenerating unit comprises a desiccation device, a condenser, and atleast one of: a first endogenous heat source configured to generateheat, and a second endogenous heat source configured to generate heat,wherein the condenser, and the at least one of the first endogenous heatsource and the second endogenous heat source, are in fluid communicationwith the desiccation device, making the exogenous electricity availableto the second endogenous heat source, wherein the exogenous electricityis generated by an exogenous electricity source, generating heat withthe second endogenous heat source, and generating water using the heatgenerated by the second endogenous heat source.

A system is disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the systemcomprises a tangible, non-transitory memory configured to communicatewith a processor, the tangible, non-transitory memory havinginstructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by theprocessor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising a methodas disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the method furthercomprises making the second endogenous heat source available to one ormore regeneration fluids in the water generating unit.

In various embodiments, the evaluating whether to use the exogenouselectricity to generate water with a water generating unit comprisesdetermining one or more of: a buy back rate of the electricity generatedby the exogenous electricity source; a temperature of an inverter of theexogenous electricity source; an available electric power of theelectricity generated by the exogenous electricity source; and apotential available electric power of the electricity generated by theexogenous electricity source. In various embodiments, the method furthercomprises making available, by an exogenous heat source, heat to a heatexchanger of the water generating unit, and making available, by anexhaust process fluid source, an exhaust process fluid to the watergenerating unit, wherein the evaluating whether to use the exogenouselectricity to generate water with the water generating unit furthercomprises determining one or more of: an ambient air temperature at thewater generating unit; an ambient air relative humidity at the watergenerating unit; a temperature of the exhaust process fluid; a relativehumidity of the exhaust process fluid; a temperature of the heatgenerated by the first endogenous heat source; a heat rate of flow ofthe heat generated by the first endogenous heat source; a temperature ofthe heat generated by the second endogenous heat source; a heat rate offlow of the heat generated by the second endogenous heat source; atemperature of the heat received by the heat exchanger; and a heat rateof flow of the heat received by the heat exchanger.

A method of generating water using a water generating system isdisclosed herein. In various embodiments, the method comprisesevaluating whether to use exogenous heat to generate water with a watergenerating unit, wherein the water generating unit comprises adesiccation device, a condenser, and one or more of: a first endogenousheat source configured to generate heat, and a heat exchanger configuredto receive heat from an exogenous heat source, wherein the condenser,and at least one of the first endogenous heat source and the heatexchanger, are in fluid communication with the desiccation device,making available, by the exogenous heat source, exogenous heat to theheat exchanger, and generating water using the exogenous heat.

A system is disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the systemcomprises a tangible, non-transitory memory configured to communicatewith a processor, the tangible, non-transitory memory havinginstructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by theprocessor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising a methoddisclosed herein. In various embodiments, the evaluating whether to usethe exogenous heat source to generate water with a water generating unitcomprises determining one or more of: a temperature of the exogenousheat received by the heat exchanger; a heat rate of flow of theexogenous heat received by the heat exchanger; a temperature of the heatgenerated by the first endogenous heat source; a heat rate of flow ofthe exogenous heat source; a desired size of the water generating unit;and a desired weight of the water generating unit.

In various embodiments, the method further comprises making available,by an exogenous electricity generating source, exogenous electricity tothe water generating unit, and making available, by an exhaust processfluid source, exhaust process fluid to the water generating unit;wherein the evaluating whether to use the exogenous heat source togenerate water further comprises determining one or more of: an ambientair temperature at the water generating unit; an ambient air relativehumidity at the water generating unit; a temperature of the exhaustprocess fluid; a relative humidity of the exhaust process fluid; a buyback rate of the electricity generated by the exogenous electricitysource; a temperature of an inverter of the exogenous electricitysource; an available electric power of the electricity generated by theexogenous electricity source; and a potential available electric powerof the electricity generated by the exogenous electricity source.

A method of generating water using a water generating system isdisclosed herein. In various embodiments, the method comprisesevaluating whether to use exhaust process fluid to generate water with awater generating unit, wherein the water generating unit comprises adesiccation device, a condenser, and one or more of: a first endogenousheat source configured to generate heat, and an exhaust process fluidsource, wherein the condenser, and at least one of the first endogenousheat source and the exhaust process fluid source are in fluidcommunication with the desiccation device, making available, by theexhaust process fluid source, exhaust process fluid to the desiccationdevice, and generating water using the exhaust process fluid.

A system is disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the systemcomprises a tangible, non-transitory memory configured to communicatewith a processor, the tangible, non-transitory memory havinginstructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by theprocessor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising a methoddisclosed herein. In various embodiments, the evaluating whether to usethe exhaust process fluid source to generate water comprises determiningone or more of: a relative humidity of the exhaust process fluid; arelative humidity of an atmospheric process fluid at the watergenerating unit; a back pressure acting on the exhaust pressure fluid; aflow rate of the exhaust process fluid; and a chemistry of the exhaustprocess fluid.

In various embodiments, the method further comprises making available,by an exogenous electricity source, exogenous electricity to a secondendogenous heat source of the water generating unit, and makingavailable, by an exogenous heat source, exogenous heat to a heatexchanger of the water generating unit, wherein the evaluating whetherto use the exhaust process fluid source to generate water furthercomprises determining one or more of: an ambient air temperature at thewater generating unit; an ambient air relative humidity at the watergenerating unit; a temperature of the exhaust process fluid; a relativehumidity of the exhaust process fluid; a buy back rate of theelectricity generated by the exogenous electricity source; a temperatureof an inverter of the exogenous electricity source; an availableelectric power of the electricity generated by the exogenous electricitysource; a potential available electric power of the electricitygenerated by the exogenous electricity source; a temperature of the heatreceived by the heat exchanger; a heat rate of flow of the heat receivedby the heat exchanger; a temperature of the heat generated by the firstendogenous heat source; a heat rate of flow of the exogenous heatsource; a temperature of the heat generated by the second endogenousheat source; a heat rate of flow of the second endogenous heat source; adesired size of the water generating unit, and a desired weight of thewater generating unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed outand distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. Amore complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may beobtained by referring to the detailed description and claims whenconsidered in connection with the following drawing figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a representative block diagram of a water generatingsystem, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevational view of an exemplary computersystem that is suitable to implement at least part of a water generatingsystem, and/or to implement at least part of a method described herein,according to various embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a representative block diagram of exemplary elementsincluded on the circuit boards inside a chassis of a computer system,according to various embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates an estimated increase in water production in litersfor a water generating unit using 1 kilowatt of exogenously generatedelectricity generated by a photovoltaic system from 11:00 am to 1:00 pmto generate supplemental endogenously generated heat for generating thewater, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method ofproviding (e.g., manufacturing) a system, according to variousembodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart for an exemplary activity of providing awater generating unit, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method ofgenerating water using a second endogenous generating heat system,according to various embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart for an exemplary activity of evaluatingwhether to use exogenously generated electricity to generate water witha water generating unit, according various embodiments;

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method ofgenerating water using exogenously generated heat, according to variousembodiments;

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart for an exemplary activity of evaluatingwhether to use exogenously generated heat to generate water with a watergenerating unit, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method ofgenerating water using an exhaust process fluid, according to variousembodiments; and

FIG. 12 illustrates a flow chart for an exemplary activity of evaluatingwhether to use an exhaust process fluid to generate water with a watergenerating unit, according to various embodiments.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figuresillustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions anddetails of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Additionally, elements in thedrawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, thedimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggeratedrelative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodimentsof the present disclosure. The same reference numerals in differentfigures denote the same elements.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description of various embodiments herein makes referenceto the accompanying drawings, which show various embodiments by way ofillustration. While these various embodiments are described insufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice thedisclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may berealized and that logical, chemical, and mechanical changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes ofillustration only and not of limitation. For example, the steps recitedin any of the method of process descriptions may be executed in anyorder and are not necessarily limited to the order presented.Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, andany reference to more than one component or step may include a singularembodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected,or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full,and/or any other possible attachment option. Surface shading lines maybe used throughout the figures to denote different parts but notnecessarily to denote the same or different materials.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in thedescription and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishingbetween similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particularsequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the termsso used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such thatthe embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operationin sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variationsthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises alist of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but mayinclude other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process,method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,”“under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, areused for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describingpermanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms soused are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that theembodiments of the systems and methods described herein are, forexample, capable of operation in other orientations than thoseillustrated or otherwise described herein.

The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the likeshould be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or moreelements or signals, electrically, mechanically and/or otherwise. Two ormore electrical elements may be electrically coupled together, but notbe mechanically or otherwise coupled together; two or more mechanicalelements may be mechanically coupled together, but not be electricallyor otherwise coupled together; two or more electrical elements may bemechanically coupled together, but not be electrically or otherwisecoupled together. Coupling may be for any length of time, e.g.,permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant.

“Electrical coupling” and the like should be broadly understood andinclude coupling involving any electrical signal, whether a powersignal, a data signal, and/or other types or combinations of electricalsignals. “Mechanical coupling” and the like should be broadly understoodand include mechanical coupling of all types.

The absence of the word “removably,” “removable,” and the like near theword “coupled,” and the like does not mean that the coupling, etc. inquestion is or is not removable.

As defined herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” can, in someembodiments, mean within plus or minus ten percent of the stated value.In other embodiments, the terms “about” or “approximately” can meanwithin plus or minus five percent of the stated value. In furtherembodiments, the terms “about” or “approximately” can mean within plusor minus three percent of the stated value. In yet other embodiments,the terms “about” or “approximately” can mean within plus or minus onepercent of the stated value.

Described herein are systems and methods for generating water using awater generating system that includes a water generating unit comprisingone or more optional heat sources, electricity sources, and/or processfluid sources, each of which may exist and/or be generated other than bythe water generating unit. The system utilizes the optional heat,electricity, and/or process fluid sources to increase the yield of watergenerated by the water generating system, as compared to the yield thatwould be generated under ambient conditions. The methods for generatingwater using the various heat, electricity, and process fluid sourcesinclude evaluating several factors including the ambient conditions, theproductivity of the sources, the need for use of the sources to powerdevices other than the water generating unit, etc. Once the conditionsare evaluated, the methods include deciding whether the use of some orall of the various sources is necessary and/or desired.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1 , showntherein and designated by the reference numeral 300 is a firstembodiment of a water generating system 300. Water generating system 300is merely exemplary, and embodiments of the system are not limited tothe embodiments presented herein. Water generating system 300 can beemployed in many different embodiments or examples not specificallydepicted or described herein. In some embodiments, certain elements ofwater generating system 300 can perform various methods and/oractivities of those methods. In these or other embodiments, the methodsand/or the activities of the methods can be performed by other suitableelements of water generating system 300.

As explained in greater detail below, in various embodiments, watergenerating system 300 can make available water to a user of watergenerating system 300. In some embodiments, water generating system 300can generate water using exogenously generated heat, exogenouslygenerated electricity, and/or an exhaust process fluid. In manyembodiments, the water made available to the user of water generatingsystem 300 comprises the water generated by water generating system 300.

In various embodiments, water generating system 300 is implemented withhardware and/or software, as described herein. In some embodiments, atleast part of the hardware and/or software is conventional, while inthese or other embodiments, part or all of the hardware and/or softwareis customized (e.g., optimized) for implementing part or all of thefunctionality of water generating system 300 described herein.

Water generating system 300 comprises a water generating unit 301. Invarious embodiments, water generating system 300 also comprises anexogenous heat source 391, an exogenous electricity source 392, and/oran exhaust process fluid source 393. Exogenous heat source 391,exogenous electricity source 392, and/or exhaust process fluid source393 are separate from water generating unit 301. That is, exogenous heatsource 391, exogenous electricity source 392, and/or exhaust processfluid source 393 are not part of water generating unit 301.

In various embodiments, water generating unit 301 generates water, whichcan be made available to a user of water generating system 300. Forexample, in some embodiments, water generating unit 301 comprises adrinking water solar panel. A drinking water solar panel may also bereferred to as a water-from-air solar panel.

In various embodiments, water generating unit 301 comprises one or moreof: a first endogenous heat source 302, a second endogenous heat source303, and/or a heat exchanger 304. In various embodiments, one or two offirst endogenous heat source 302, second endogenous heat source 303, andheat exchanger 304 are omitted.

In various embodiments, water generating unit 301 comprises adesiccation device 305, a condenser 306, a blower 307, and a circulator308. In various embodiments, desiccation device 305 comprises anadsorption zone 309, a desorption zone 310, a desiccant element 311, andan actuator 312.

In various embodiments, water generating unit 301 also comprises acondenser heat exchanger 313, a water generating unit control system314, a reservoir 315, a first filter 316, and/or a second filter 317. Inother embodiments, condenser heat exchanger 313, water generating unitcontrol system 314, reservoir 315, first filter 316, and/or secondfilter 317 are omitted.

In various embodiments, first endogenous heat source 302, secondendogenous heat source 303, and/or heat exchanger 304 are coupled todesiccation device 305; desiccation device 305 is coupled to condenser306; and condenser 306 is coupled to first endogenous heat source 302,second endogenous heat source 303, and/or heat exchanger 304. In variousembodiments, first endogenous heat source 302, second endogenous heatsource 303, and/or heat exchanger 304 are coupled to blower 307; andblower 307 is coupled to desiccation device 305.

In various embodiments, at least one of first endogenous heat source302, second endogenous heat source 303, and heat exchanger 304 iscoupled in series with at least one other of first endogenous heatsource 302, second endogenous heat source 303, and heat exchanger 304,such as, for example, between condenser 306 and desiccation device 305,or between condenser 306 and blower 307. For example, in someembodiments, first endogenous heat source 302, second endogenous heatsource 303, and heat exchanger 304 are coupled in series with eachother, as illustrated at FIG. 1 . In various embodiments, at least oneof first endogenous heat source 302, second endogenous heat source 303,and heat exchanger 304 are coupled in parallel with at least one otherof first endogenous heat source 302, second endogenous heat source 303,and heat exchanger 304, such as, for example, between condenser 306 anddesiccation device 305, or between condenser 306 and blower 307.

In various embodiments, circulator 308 is configured to receive one ormore regeneration fluids and operably move and repeatedly cycle theregeneration fluid(s) from first endogenous heat source 302, secondendogenous heat source 303, and/or heat exchanger 304, to blower 307, todesiccation device 305, to condenser 306, and back to first endogenousheat source 302, second endogenous heat source 303, and/or heatexchanger 304 (e.g., in a closed loop). In various embodiments,desiccation device 305, condenser 306, and, depending on the manner inwhich water generating system 300 is implemented, at least one of firstendogenous heat source 302, second endogenous heat source 303, and/orheat exchanger 304 are coupled together by any suitable conduitsconfigured to transfer the regeneration fluid(s) among blower 307,desiccation device 305, condenser 306, and at least one of firstendogenous heat source 302, second endogenous heat source 303, and/orheat exchanger 304. Exemplary regeneration fluid(s) include humid air,one or more supersaturated or high relative humidity gases (e.g., arelative humidity greater than approximately 90%), one or more glycols,one or more ionic liquids, etc. However, the regeneration fluid maycomprise any fluid suitable for use in a water generating system.

In various embodiments, circulator 308 comprises any suitable deviceconfigured to receive and move the regeneration fluid(s) from firstendogenous heat source 302, second endogenous heat source 303, and/orheat exchanger 304 to blower 307 to desiccation device 305 to condenser306 and back to first endogenous heat source 302, second endogenous heatsource 303, and/or heat exchanger 304. For example, in some embodiments,circulator 308 comprises a pump.

In various embodiments, desiccation device 305 receives the regenerationfluid(s) at desorption zone 310. In various embodiments, after theregeneration fluid(s) are received at desorption zone 310, theregeneration fluid(s) are moved to condenser 306. In some of theseembodiments, the regeneration fluid(s) are moved to one or moreadditional desiccation devices before being moved to condenser 306, asexplained below.

In various embodiments, blower 307 is configured to receive one or moreprocess fluids (e.g., one or more humid fluids) and move the processfluid(s) to desiccation device 305. For example, in some embodiments,desiccation device 305 receives the process fluid(s) at adsorption zone309. Further, blower 307 can move the process fluid(s) throughdesiccation device 305 (e.g., through adsorption zone 309). In someembodiments, after the process fluid(s) are received at desiccationdevice 305 (e.g., adsorption zone 309), the process fluid(s) areexhausted to the atmosphere around (e.g., adjacent to) water generatingunit 301. As discussed in greater detail below, desiccation device 305can cause water in the process fluid(s) to be desorbed into theregeneration fluid(s) (e.g., by actuator 312 transferring the water inthe process fluid from adsorption zone 309 to desorption zone 310), andthen condenser 306 can condense the water in the regeneration fluid(s)into a liquid. Accordingly, water generating unit 301 can use theprocess fluid(s) to generate water.

When blower 307 is configured to receive multiple process fluids, blower307 can receive two or more of the multiple process fluids at the sametime and/or at different times. For example, in some embodiments, whenblower 307 receives two or more of the multiple process fluids at thesame time, one or more of the process fluids received by blower 307 cansupplement one or more other process fluids received by blower 307.

In various embodiments, blower 307 is further configured to receive oneor more regeneration fluids and move the regeneration fluid(s) todesiccation device 305. For example, in various embodiments, desiccationdevice 305 receives the regeneration fluid(s) at desorption zone 310.Further, blower 307 may move the regeneration fluid(s) throughdesiccation device 305 (e.g., through desorption zone 310). As discussedin greater detail below, desiccation device 305 can cause water in theprocess fluid(s) to be desorbed into the regeneration fluid(s) (e.g., byactuator 312 transferring the water in the process fluid from adsorptionzone 309 to desorption zone 310), and then condenser 306 can condensethe water in the regeneration fluid(s) into a liquid. Accordingly, watergenerating unit 301 can use the regeneration fluid(s) to generate water.

Blower 307 can comprise any suitable device configured to receive theprocess fluid(s) and/or regeneration fluid(s) and to move the processfluid(s) and/or regeneration fluid(s) to desiccation device 305. Forexample, in some embodiments, blower 307 comprises a pump.

In various embodiments, the process fluid(s) comprise an atmosphericprocess fluid (i.e., humid air). Further, blower 307 can receive theatmospheric process fluid from the atmosphere around (e.g., adjacent to)water generating unit 301. In some embodiments, the process fluid(s)excludes an atmospheric process fluid.

Meanwhile, in these or other embodiments, the process fluid(s) comprisean exhaust process fluid. However, in some embodiments, the processfluid(s) exclude an exhaust process fluid.

As used herein, the term “exhaust process fluid” can refer to a humidfluid generated by exhaust process fluid source 393. The exhaust processfluid can be distinguished from the atmospheric process fluid, which isnot generated by exhaust process fluid source 393. Exhaust process fluidsource 393 is discussed in greater detail below.

Further, when the process fluid(s) comprise an exhaust process fluid,blower 307 can be configured to receive the exhaust process fluid fromexhaust process fluid source 393. For example, in these embodiments,blower 307 is coupled to exhaust process fluid source 393 by anysuitable conduits configured to transfer the exhaust process fluid fromexhaust process fluid source 393 to blower 307.

In some embodiments, at least one or all of the process fluid(s) arereceived by blower 307 without regulation. Meanwhile, in otherembodiments, at least one or all of the process fluid(s) received byblower 307 are regulated, such as, for example, by one or more valves.For example, in some embodiments, when one or more valves areimplemented to regulate when at least one or all of the process fluid(s)are received by blower 307, the valve(s) can be manually operated.Alternatively or additionally, the valve(s) can be automaticallyoperated, such as, for example, by water generating unit control system314.

In various embodiments, actuator 312 is configured to operably move andrepeatedly cycle desiccant element 311, or portions thereof, betweenadsorption zone 309 and desorption zone 310 to capture (e.g., absorband/or adsorb) water from the process fluid(s) received at adsorptionzone 309 and desorb water into the regeneration fluid(s) received atdesorption zone 310. For example, in various embodiments, desiccantelement 311 is disposed on a wheel located partially at adsorption zone309 and partially at desorption zone 310. Accordingly, in theseembodiments, portions of desiccant element 311 are simultaneouslylocated at adsorption zone 309 and at desorption zone 310, such as, forexample, so that desiccant element 311 can simultaneously capture (e.g.,absorb and/or adsorb) water from the process fluid received atadsorption zone 309 and desorb water into the regeneration fluid(s)received at desorption zone 310. Meanwhile, actuator 312 can operablyrotate the wheel so that changing portions of desiccant element 311 arelocated at adsorption zone 309 and at desorption zone 310 when actuator312 rotates the wheel. Rotation of the wheel can be discrete (e.g.,stepwise) or continuous.

In various embodiments, desiccant element 311 comprises any suitablematerial or materials configured such that desiccant element 311 cancapture (e.g., absorb and/or adsorb) and desorb water vapor. Forexample, the material(s) of desiccant element 311 can comprise one ormore hygroscopic materials. In many embodiments, exemplary material(s)for desiccant element 311 comprise silica, silica gel, alumina, aluminagel, montmorillonite clay, one or more zeolites, one or more molecularsieves, activated carbon, one or more metal oxides, one or more lithiumsalts, one or more calcium salts, one or more potassium salts, one ormore sodium salts, one or more magnesium 25 salts, one or morephosphoric salts, one or more organic salts, one or more metal salts,glycerin, one or more glycols, one or more hydrophilic polymers, one ormore polyols, one or more polypropylene fibers, one or more cellulosicfibers, one or more derivatives thereof, and one or more combinationsthereof.

In various embodiments, desiccant element 311 comprises any suitableform or forms configured such that desiccant element 311 can capture(e.g., absorb and/or adsorb) and desorb water. For example, desiccantelement 311 can comprise a liquid form and/or a solid form. In furtherembodiments, desiccant element 311 comprises a porous solid impregnatedwith one or more hygroscopic material(s).

In various embodiments, desiccant element 311 is configured to capture(e.g., absorb and/or adsorb) water at one or more temperatures and/orpressures and is configured to desorb water at one or more othertemperatures and/or pressures. In some embodiments, desiccant element311 is implemented with material(s) and/or form(s), and/or can beotherwise configured such that desiccant element 311 does not capture(e.g., absorb and/or adsorb) one or more materials toxic to humans,pets, and/or other animals.

In various embodiments, condenser 306 is configured to extract waterfrom the regeneration fluid(s) received at condenser 306, such as, forexample, water that has been desorbed into the regeneration fluid(s) atdesorption zone 310 of desiccation device 305. In these embodiments,condenser 306 condenses water vapor from the regeneration fluid(s) intoliquid water. Accordingly, in many embodiments, condenser 306 cools theregeneration fluid(s) by extracting thermal energy from the regenerationfluid(s) in order to condense water vapor from the regeneration fluid(s)into liquid water. In some embodiments, condenser 306 transfers thermalenergy extracted from the regeneration fluid(s) to the process fluid(s)upstream of desiccation device 305 and/or to the atmosphere around(e.g., adjacent to) water generating unit 301.

In various embodiments, first endogenous heat source 302, secondendogenous heat source 303, and/or heat exchanger 304 are configured toprovide thermal energy to the regeneration fluid(s) so that theregeneration fluid(s) are heated upon arriving at desiccation device305. Exposing desiccant element 311 of desiccation device 305 to theheated regeneration fluid(s) at desorption zone 310 of desiccationdevice 305 can regenerate desiccant element 311 of desiccation device305 by causing water to desorb from desiccant element 311 into theregeneration fluid(s), thereby permitting desiccant element 311 toabsorb more water from the process fluid(s) at adsorption zone 309 andpermitting condenser 306 to condense into a liquid the water desorbedfrom desiccant element 311 into the regeneration fluid(s).

For example, in order to provide thermal energy to the regenerationfluid(s), first endogenous heat source 302 can generate endogenouslygenerated heat, can receive the regeneration fluid(s), and can transferthermal energy from the endogenously generated heat generated by firstendogenous heat source 302 to the regeneration fluid(s). Accordingly,water generating unit 301 can use the endogenously generated heatgenerated by first endogenous heat source 302 to generate water.

As used herein, the term “endogenously generated heat” can refer to heatthat is generated by water generating unit 301. By contrast, as usedherein, the term “exogenously generated heat” can refer to heat that isnot generated by water generating unit 301.

In various embodiments, first endogenous heat source 302 comprises asolar thermal heater (e.g., a solar thermal collector). In theseembodiments, the solar thermal heater can convert solar insolation tothe thermal energy provided to the regeneration fluid(s). The terms“first endogenous heat source” and “firstendogenous-heat-generating-system” are used interchangeably herein.

In various embodiments, first endogenous heat source 302 is configuredto generate endogenously generated heat comprising a maximumendogenously generated heat temperature of approximately 80° C. orapproximately 100° C. In these or other embodiments, first endogenousheat source 302 is configured to generate endogenously generated heatcomprising a maximum endogenously generated heat rate of flow ofapproximately 1,000 watts or approximately 1,200 watts.

Further, in various embodiments, first endogenous heat source 302 ispart of one or more solar panels, and water generating unit 301comprises the solar panel(s). In various embodiments, the solar panel(s)also comprise one or more photovoltaic cells configured to generateendogenously generated electricity. For example, the photovoltaiccell(s) can be configured to convert solar insolation into theendogenously generated electricity. In further embodiments, watergenerating unit 301 uses the endogenously generated electricitygenerated by the photovoltaic cell(s) to electrically power part or allof water generating unit 301. In these or other embodiments, part or allof water generating unit 301 is electrically powered by any othersuitable source of endogenously generated electricity and/or anysuitable source of exogenously generated electricity (e.g., exogenouselectricity source 392).

As used herein, the term “endogenously generated electricity” can referto electricity that is generated by water generating unit 301. Bycontrast, as used herein, the term “exogenously generated electricity”can refer to electricity that is not generated by water generating unit301.

Further, in various embodiments, in order to provide thermal energy tothe regeneration fluid(s), second endogenous heat source 303 generatesendogenously generated heat, receives the regeneration fluid(s), andtransfers thermal energy from the endogenously generated heat generatedby second endogenous heat source 303 to the regeneration fluid(s).Accordingly, water generating unit 301 can use the endogenouslygenerated heat generated by second endogenous heat source 303 togenerate water.

In various embodiments, when water generating system 300 comprises firstendogenous heat source 302 and second endogenous heat source 303, watergenerating unit 301 supplements the endogenously generated heatgenerated by first endogenous heat source 302 with the endogenouslygenerated heat generated by second endogenous heat source 303 togenerate water. In other embodiments, when water generating system 300comprises first endogenous heat source 302 and second endogenous heatsource 303, water generating unit 301 uses the endogenously generatedheat generated by first endogenous heat source 302 to generate waterinstead of the endogenously generated heat generated by secondendogenous heat source 303, and vice versa.

In various embodiments, when water generating unit 301 is configured touse endogenously generated heat generated by second endogenous heatsource 303 instead of endogenously generated heat generated by firstendogenous heat source 302 to generate water, first endogenous heatsource 302 is omitted, or vice versa. However, in many embodiments, whenwater generating unit 301 is configured to use endogenously generatedheat generated by second endogenous heat source 303 instead ofendogenously generated heat generated by first endogenous heat source302 to generate water, or vice versa, first endogenous heat source 302and second endogenous heat source 303 are implemented together andoperated at different times.

In various embodiments, when water generating system 300 comprises firstendogenous heat source 302 and second endogenous heat source 303, firstendogenous heat source 302 and/or second endogenous heat source 303 areselectively activated or deactivated, as needed, depending on whetherendogenously generated heat generated by second endogenous heat source303 is supplementing or being used instead of endogenously generatedheat generated by first endogenous heat source 302, and vice versa. Forexample, in some embodiments, first endogenous heat source 302 and/orsecond endogenous heat source 303 are manually activated or deactivated.In other embodiments, alternatively or additionally, first endogenousheat source 302 and/or second endogenous heat source 303 areautomatically activated or deactivated, such as, for example, by watergenerating unit control system 314. Further, in these or otherembodiments, when water generating system 300 comprises first endogenousheat source 302 and second endogenous heat source 303, second endogenousheat source 303 is used to generate endogenously generated heat whenendogenously generated heat generated by first endogenous heat source302 is unavailable or is insufficient for use to generate water, suchas, for example, when first endogenous heat source 302 comprises a solarthermal heater and sunlight is unavailable. Further, in these or otherembodiments, when water generating system 300 comprises first endogenousheat source 302 and second endogenous heat source 303, first endogenousheat source 302 is used to generate endogenously generated heat whenendogenously generated heat generated by second endogenous heat source303 is unavailable or is insufficient to generate water, such as, forexample, when second endogenous heat source 303 comprises an electricheater, as discussed below, and electricity is unavailable.

In various embodiments, second endogenous heat source 303 comprises anelectric heater. In these embodiments, the electric heater can convertelectricity to the thermal energy provided to the regeneration fluid(s),such as, for example, by passing the electricity through an electricalresistor. The terms “second endogenous heat source” and “secondendogenous-heat-generating-system” are used interchangeably herein.

In various embodiments, second endogenous heat source 303 is configuredto generate endogenously generated heat comprising a maximumendogenously generated heat temperature of approximately 80° C. orapproximately 100° C. In these or other embodiments, second endogenousheat source 303 is configured to generate endogenously generated heatcomprising a maximum endogenously generated heat rate of flow ofapproximately 1,000 watts or approximately 1,200 watts.

In various embodiments, second endogenous heat source 303 iselectrically powered by endogenously generated electricity. For example,in some embodiments, when water generating system 300 comprises firstendogenous heat source 302, and when first endogenous heat source 302 ispart of one or more solar panels comprising one or more photovoltaiccells configured to generate endogenously generated electricity, secondendogenous heat source 303 is electrically powered by the endogenouslygenerated electricity generated by the photovoltaic cell(s). In some ofthese embodiments, first endogenous heat source 302 generatesendogenously generated heat to generate water while also electricallypowering second endogenous heat source 303 to generate additionalendogenously generated heat to generate water.

Further, in these or other embodiments, second endogenous heat source303 is also electrically powered by exogenously generated electricity.For example, in some embodiments, second endogenous heat source 303 iselectrically powered by exogenously generated electricity generated byexogenous electricity source 392 and endogenously generated heatgenerated by first endogenous heat source. Exogenous electricity source392 is discussed in greater detail below.

Also, in various embodiments, second endogenous heat source 303 iselectrically powered by exogenously generated electricity, such as, forexample, by exogenously generated electricity generated by exogenouselectricity source 392, and not by endogenously generated electricity.In further embodiments, second endogenous heat source 303 iselectrically powered only by exogenously generated electricity generatedby exogenous electricity source 392. In still further embodiments,second endogenous heat source 303 and no other part of water generatingunit 301 is electrically powered by exogenously generated electricitygenerated by exogenous electricity source 392. In various embodiments,because second endogenous heat source 303 is electrically powered byexogenously generated electricity generated by exogenous electricitysource 392, and because water generating unit 301 uses endogenouslygenerated heat generated by second endogenous heat source 303 togenerate water, water generating unit 301 also uses exogenouslygenerated electricity generated by exogenous electricity source 392 togenerate water.

Further, when second endogenous heat source 303 is configured to beelectrically powered by exogenously generated electricity generated byexogenous electricity source 392, second endogenous heat source 303receives the exogenously generated electricity from exogenouselectricity source 392. In these embodiments, second endogenous heatsource 303 is electrically coupled to exogenous electricity source 392to transfer the exogenously generated electricity from exogenouselectricity source 392 to second endogenous heat source 303.

In various embodiments, the exogenously generated electricity generatedby exogenous electricity source 392 is received by second endogenousheat source 303 without regulation. In some embodiments, the exogenouslygenerated electricity generated by exogenous electricity source 392received by second endogenous heat source 303 is regulated, such as, forexample, by one or more electrical switches. For example, in someembodiments, when one or more switch(es) are implemented to regulatewhen the exogenously generated electricity generated by exogenouselectricity source 392 is received by second endogenous heat source 303,the switch(es) are manually operated. Alternatively or additionally, theswitch(es) can be automatically operated, such as, for example, by watergenerating unit control system 314.

In various embodiments, in order to provide thermal energy to theregeneration fluid(s), heat exchanger 304 receives exogenously generatedheat from exogenous heat source 391, receives the regeneration fluid(s),and transfers thermal energy from the exogenously generated heat to theregeneration fluid(s). Accordingly, water generating unit 301 can usethe exogenously generated heat to generate water.

In various embodiments, when water generating system 300 comprises heatexchanger 304, and also comprises first endogenous heat source 302and/or second endogenous heat source 303, water generating unit 301supplements the endogenously generated heat generated by firstendogenous heat source 302 and/or second endogenous heat source 303 withthe exogenously generated heat received by heat exchanger 304 togenerate water. In other embodiments, when water generating system 300comprises heat exchanger 304, and also comprises first endogenous heatsource 302 and/or second endogenous heat source 303, water generatingunit 301 uses the exogenously generated heat received by heat exchanger304 to generate water instead of the endogenously generated heatgenerated by first endogenous heat source 302, and vice versa, and/orinstead of the endogenously generated heat generated by secondendogenous heat source 303, and vice versa.

In various embodiments, when water generating unit 301 is configured touse exogenously generated heat received by heat exchanger 304 togenerate water instead of the endogenously generated heat generated byfirst endogenous heat source 302 and/or second endogenous heat source303 to generate water, first endogenous heat source 302 and/or secondendogenous heat source 303 are omitted. However, in many embodiments,when water generating unit 301 is configured to use exogenouslygenerated heat received by heat exchanger 304 to generate water insteadof the endogenously generated heat generated by first endogenous heatsource 302 to generate water, first endogenous heat source 302 and/orsecond endogenous heat source 303 are implemented together with heatexchanger 304 and operated at different times.

In various embodiments, when water generating system 300 comprises heatexchanger 304 and comprises first endogenous heat source 302 and/orsecond endogenous heat source 303, first endogenous heat source 302and/or second endogenous heat source 303 are selectively activated ordeactivated, as needed, depending on whether the exogenously generatedheat received by heat exchanger 304 is supplementing or being usedinstead of endogenously generated heat generated by first endogenousheat source 302 and/or second endogenous heat source 303. For example,in some embodiments, first endogenous heat source 302 and/or secondendogenous heat source 303 are manually activated or deactivated.Alternatively, or additionally, first endogenous heat source 302 and/orsecond endogenous heat source 303 are automatically activated ordeactivated, such as, for example, by water generating unit controlsystem 314. Further, in these or other embodiments, when watergenerating system 300 comprises heat exchanger 304 and comprises firstendogenous heat source 302 and/or second endogenous heat source 303,first endogenous heat source 302 and/or second endogenous heat source303 are used to generate endogenously generated heat when exogenouslygenerated heat received by heat exchanger 304 is unavailable or isinsufficient for use to generate water.

In various embodiments, whether water generating unit 301 usesexogenously generated heat received by heat exchanger 304 to supplementor to substitute for endogenously generated heat generated by firstendogenous heat source 302 and/or second endogenous heat source 303 togenerate water depends on an exogenously generated heat temperature ofthe exogenously generated heat received by heat exchanger 304 and/or anexogenously generated heat rate of flow of the exogenously generatedheat received by heat exchanger 304. For example, in many embodiments,water generating unit 301 can use exogenously generated heat received byheat exchanger 304 instead of endogenously generated heat generated byfirst endogenous heat source 302 and/or second endogenous heat source303 to generate water when an exogenously generated heat temperature ofthe exogenously generated heat exceeds a maximum endogenously generatedheat temperature of the endogenously generated heat. In these or otherembodiments, water generating unit 301 uses exogenously generated heatreceived by heat exchanger 304 to supplement endogenously generated heatgenerated by first endogenous heat source 302 and/or second endogenousheat source 303 to generate water when an exogenously generated heatrate of flow of the exogenously generated heat exceeds a maximumendogenously generated heat rate of flow of the endogenously generatedheat. In further embodiments, water generating unit 301 is configured touse exogenously generated heat received by heat exchanger 304 tosupplement or to substitute for endogenously generated heat generated byfirst endogenous heat source 302 and/or second endogenous heat source303 to generate water when an exogenously generated heat temperature ofthe exogenously generated heat exceeds a maximum endogenously generatedheat temperature of the endogenously generated heat and/or when anexogenously generated heat rate of flow of the exogenously generatedheat exceeds a maximum endogenously generated heat rate of flow of theendogenously generated heat. Accordingly, in some embodiments, whetherwater generating unit 301 can use exogenously generated heat received byheat exchanger 304 to supplement or substitute for endogenouslygenerated heat generated by first endogenous heat source 302 and/orsecond endogenous heat source 303 to generate water depends on the typeof system that exogenous heat source 391 comprises, as explained ingreater detail below.

Using exogenously generated heat received by heat exchanger 304 insteadof endogenously generated heat generated by first endogenous heat source302 and/or second endogenous heat source 303 to generate water can beadvantageous when it is desirable to use energy that would otherwise beused by first endogenous heat source 302 and/or second endogenous heatsource 303 to generate the endogenously generated heat for otherpurposes and/or when energy to run first endogenous heat source 302and/or second endogenous heat source 303 is unavailable, such as, forexample, when first endogenous heat source 302 comprises a solar thermalheater and sunlight is unavailable and/or when second endogenous heatsource 303 comprises an electric heater and electricity is unavailable.Using exogenously generated heat received by heat exchanger 304 insteadof endogenously generated heat generated by first endogenous-heatgenerating-system 302 and/or second endogenous heat source 303 togenerate water can be advantageous to reduce wear and tear on firstendogenous heat source 302 and/or second endogenous heat source 303.Using exogenously generated heat received by heat exchanger 304 tosupplement endogenously generated heat generated by first endogenousheat source 302 and/or second endogenous heat source 303 to generatewater can be advantageous to generate more water than may be possiblewith endogenously generated heat generated by first endogenous heatsource 302 and/or second endogenous heat source 303 alone.

In various embodiments, water generating unit 301 uses exogenouslygenerated heat received by heat exchanger 304 instead of endogenouslygenerated heat generated by first endogenous heat source 302 and/orsecond endogenous heat source 303 to generate water when an exogenouslygenerated heat temperature of the exogenously generated heat is greaterthan or equal to about 80° C., 100° C., 180° C., 200° C., or more. Inthese or other embodiments, water generating unit 301 uses exogenouslygenerated heat received by heat exchanger 304 to supplement endogenouslygenerated heat generated by first endogenous heat source 302 and/orsecond endogenous heat source 303 to generate water when an exogenouslygenerated heat rate of flow of the exogenously generated heat is greaterthan or equal to about 1,000 watts, 1,200 watts, 3,000 watts, 3,500watts, or more.

In various embodiments, heat exchanger 304 comprises any suitable deviceconfigured to receive exogenously generated heat from exogenous heatsource 391, receive the regeneration fluid(s), and transfer thermalenergy from the exogenously generated heat to the regeneration fluid(s).For example, in some embodiments, heat exchanger 304 comprises a solidwall heat exchanger or coil heat exchanger. The type of heat exchangerimplemented for heat exchanger 304 can depend on the type of system ofexogenous heat source 391, whether the exogenously generated heat ofexogenous heat source 391 is supplementing or used instead ofendogenously generated heat generated by first endogenous heat source302 and/or second endogenous heat source 303, and/or a desired sizeand/or weight of water generating system 300. The terms “heat exchanger”and “exogenous-heat-receiving-heat exchanger” are used interchangeablyherein.

Further, when heat exchanger 304 is configured to receive exogenouslygenerated heat generated by exogenous heat source 391, heat exchanger304 can be in thermal communication with exogenous heat source 391 sothat heat exchanger 304 can receive the exogenously generated heatgenerated by exogenous heat source 391. For example, in someembodiments, heat exchanger 304 is in direct physical contact withexogenous heat source 391. Further, in some of these embodiments, heatexchanger 304 is coupled to exogenous heat source 391.

In various embodiments, the regeneration fluid(s) are received by heatexchanger 304 without regulation. Meanwhile, in other embodiments, theregeneration fluid(s) received by heat exchanger 304 are regulated, suchas, for example, by one or more valves. For example, in someembodiments, when one or more valves are implemented to regulate whenthe regeneration fluid(s) are received by heat exchanger 304, thevalve(s) are manually operated. Alternatively or additionally, thevalve(s) are automatically operated, such as, for example, by watergenerating unit control system 314.

As noted above, in various embodiments, at least one of first endogenousheat source 302, second endogenous heat source 303, and heat exchanger304 are coupled in parallel with at least one other of first endogenousheat source 302, second endogenous heat source 303, and heat exchanger304. Arranging at least one of first endogenous heat source 302, secondendogenous heat source 303, and heat exchanger 304 in parallel with atleast one other of first endogenous heat source 302, second endogenousheat source 303, and heat exchanger 304 can be advantageous insituations where only one of the at least one of first endogenous heatsource 302, second endogenous heat source 303, and heat exchanger 304 isbeing used to transfer thermal energy to the regeneration fluid(s). Forexample, using valves, portions of the conduits routing the regenerationfluid(s) to at least one of first endogenous heat source 302, secondendogenous heat source 303, and heat exchanger 304 can be bypassed whenthe at least one of first endogenous heat source 302, second endogenousheat source 303, or heat exchanger 304 is not in use to reduce losses inthermal energy from the regeneration fluid(s). In some embodiments, thevalves are manually operated. Alternatively or additionally, the valvesare automatically operated, such as, for example, by water generatingunit control system 314.

In various embodiments, reservoir 315 stores water extracted from theregeneration fluid(s) by condenser 306. Accordingly, reservoir 315 cancomprise any suitable receptacle or container configured to store water.Further, reservoir 315 can be coupled to condenser 306 to receive thewater extracted from the regeneration fluid(s) by condenser 306. Forexample, reservoir 315 can be coupled to condenser 306 by any suitableconduits configured to transfer the water extracted from theregeneration fluid(s) by condenser 306 to reservoir 315.

In various embodiments, first filter 316 is configured to filter wateroutput by condenser 306, such as, for example, to remove one or morematerials (e.g., one or more materials toxic to humans, pets, and/orother animals) from the water. Accordingly, first filter 316 can becoupled to an output of condenser 306, such as, for example, betweencondenser 306 and reservoir 315. First filter 316 can comprise anysuitable device configured to filter water. For example, first filter316 can comprise a carbon filter and/or a stainless steel frit.

In various embodiments, second filter 317 is configured to filter wateroutput by reservoir 315, such as, for example, to remove one or morematerials (e.g., one or more materials toxic to humans) from the water.Accordingly, second filter 317 can be coupled to an output of reservoir315. Second filter 317 can comprise any suitable device configured tofilter water. For example, second filter 317 can comprise a carbonfilter and/or a stainless steel frit. In some embodiments, second filter317 can be omitted, such as, for example, when reservoir 315 is omitted.

In various embodiments, condenser heat exchanger 313 is configured totransfer thermal energy from the regeneration fluid(s) upstream ofcondenser 306 to the regeneration fluid(s) downstream of condenser 306.For example, removing thermal energy from the regeneration fluid(s)upstream of condenser 306 can help prime or pre-cool the water vapor inthe regeneration fluid(s) to be condensed into liquid water at condenser306 by reducing the regeneration fluid(s) to nearer to a temperature atwhich the water vapor will condense into liquid water. Meanwhile, thethermal energy extracted from the regeneration fluid(s) by condenserheat exchanger 313 can be transferred to the regeneration fluid(s)downstream of condenser 306 so that the thermal energy can heat theregeneration fluid(s) upstream of desiccation device 305. As a result,implementing condenser heat exchanger 313 can make water generatingsystem 300 more efficient by making use of thermal energy in theregeneration fluid(s) that would otherwise be lost to condenser 306 toheat the regeneration fluid(s) heading to desiccation device 305.

In various embodiments, exogenous heat source 391 comprises any suitablesystem configured to generate exogenously generated heat. Further, insome embodiments, exogenous heat source 391 comprises a systemconfigured to generate exogenously generated heat having an exogenouslygenerated heat temperature exceeding a maximum endogenously generatedheat temperature of endogenously generated heat generated by firstendogenous heat source 302 and/or second endogenous heat source 303,and/or having an exogenously generated heat rate of flow exceeding amaximum endogenously generated heat rate of flow of endogenouslygenerated heat generated by first endogenous heat source 302 and/orsecond endogenous heat source 303.

In various embodiments, exogenous heat source 391 is a stand-alonesystem that operates separately and/or independently from watergenerating unit 301. In these or other embodiments, exogenous heatsource 391 is useful without being used with water generating unit 301.The terms “exogenous heat source” and “exogenous-heat-generating-system”are used interchangeably herein.

In various embodiments, the exogenously generated heat generated byexogenous heat source 391 comprises waste heat of exogenous heat source391. Waste heat of exogenous heat source 391 refers to heat generated byexogenous heat source 391 (when exogenous heat source 391 operates) thatis unused by exogenous heat source 391. For example, in manyembodiments, the waste heat of exogenous heat source 391 results as aby-product of the operation of exogenous heat source 391. In these orother embodiments, the waste heat of exogenous heat source 391 is heatthat would be released to the atmosphere around (e.g., adjacent to)exogenous heat source 391 if unused by water generating unit 301 togenerate water. Accordingly, water generating system 300 advantageouslycan make use of waste heat of exogenous heat source 391 to generatewater rather than have the waste heat be wasted or otherwise go unused.

In various embodiments, exogenous heat source 391 comprises a heatingfire (e.g., a campfire, a gas heater and/or stove, etc.), a heatingelement, an electric generator, a fuel cell, a heat engine (e.g., aninternal combustion engine), multiple computer servers (e.g., a serverfarm), or a refrigeration system (e.g., an air conditioner, arefrigerator, etc.). For example, in some embodiments, a gas heaterand/or stove comprises a butane gas heater and/or stove. In someembodiments, a heating fire comprises a cooking fire, such as, forexample, when a heating fire is being used to cook food. Further, aheating element comprises a cooking element, such as, for example, whena heating element is being used to cook food. In some embodiments,exogenous heat source 391 is a system other than a system configured togenerate water for a user of water generating unit 301.

In various embodiments, the type of system that exogenous heat source391 comprises determines how heat exchanger 304 thermally communicateswith exogenous heat source 391 to receive exogenously generated heatgenerated by exogenous-heat generating-system 391. For example, in someembodiments, when exogenous heat source 391 comprises a heat engine,heat exchanger 304 is mounted to an exhaust device of the heat engine.In other embodiments, when exogenous heat source 391 comprises acampfire, heat exchanger 304 is placed in or proximal to the campfire.

As indicated above, the type of system that exogenous heat source 391comprises can determine whether water generating unit 301 can useexogenously generated heat received by heat exchanger 304 to supplementor substitute for the endogenously generated heat generated by firstendogenous heat source 302 and/or second endogenous heat source 303 togenerate water. In various embodiments, when exogenous heat source 391comprises a heating fire and/or a cooking fire (e.g., a campfire), watergenerating unit 301 uses exogenously generated heat received by heatexchanger 304 to supplement or substitute for the endogenously generatedheat generated by first endogenous heat source 302 and/or secondendogenous heat source 303 to generate water, such as, for example,because exogenously generated heat from a heating fire and/or a cookingfire (e.g., a campfire) may have an exogenously generated heattemperature (e.g., approximately 500° C.) and an exogenously generatedheat rate of flow (e.g., approximately 500 watts - 2000 watts) exceedinga maximum endogenously generated heat temperature and a maximumendogenously generated heat rate of flow of the endogenously generatedheat of first endogenous heat source 302 and/or second endogenous heatsource 303. In these or other embodiments, when exogenous heat source391 comprises an electric generator, water generating unit 301 usesexogenously generated heat received by heat exchanger 304 instead of theendogenously generated heat generated by first endogenous heat source302 and/or second endogenous heat source 303 to generate water, such as,for example, because exogenously generated heat from an electricgenerator may have an exogenously generated heat temperature (e.g.,approximately 100° C.) exceeding a maximum endogenously generated heattemperature of the endogenously generated heat generated by firstendogenous heat source 302 and/or second endogenous heat source 303, butan exogenously generated heat rate of flow (e.g., approximately 800watts) below a maximum endogenously generated heat rate of flow of theendogenously generated heat generated by first endogenous heat source302 and/or second endogenous heat source 303. In these or otherembodiments, when exogenous heat source 391 comprises a refrigerationsystem, water generating unit 301 uses exogenously generated heatreceived by heat exchanger 304 to supplement the endogenously generatedheat generated by first endogenous heat source 302 and/or secondendogenous heat source 303 to generate water, such as, for example,because exogenously generated heat from a refrigeration system may havean exogenously generated heat rate of flow (e.g., approximately 300watts - 1500 watts) exceeding a maximum endogenously generated heat rateof flow of the endogenously generated heat of first endogenous heatsource 302 and/or second endogenous heat source 303, but an exogenouslygenerated heat temperature (e.g., approximately 60° C.) below maximumendogenously generated heat temperature of the endogenously generatedheat generated by first endogenous heat source 302 and/or secondendogenous heat source 303.

Further, in various embodiments, the type of system that exogenous heatsource 391 comprises determines a size and weight of water generatingunit 301. For example, as an exogenously generated heat temperatureand/or an exogenously generated heat rate of flow of the exogenouslygenerated heat generated by exogenous heat source 391 increases, a sizeof water generating unit 301 can be reduced, thereby increasing aportability of water generating unit 301. In particular, as anexogenously generated heat temperature and/or an exogenously generatedheat rate of flow of the exogenously generated heat generated byexogenous heat source 391 increases, water generating unit 301 cangenerate more water for a constant volume of the process fluid(s) and/ora constant surface area of desiccant element 311 up to the physicallimits of the process fluid(s) and/or desiccant element 311. In manyembodiments, the type of system implemented for exogenous heat source391 is selected such that water generating unit 301 comprises a weightless than or equal to approximately 45 kilograms (100 pounds) orapproximately 36 kilograms (80 pounds).

In various embodiments, exogenous electricity source 392 comprises anysuitable system configured to generate exogenously generatedelectricity. For example, in many embodiments, exogenous electricitysource 392 comprises a photovoltaic electric system comprising one ormore solar panels, and the solar panel(s) comprises one or morephotovoltaic cells configured to generate the exogenously generatedelectricity. For example, the photovoltaic cell(s) can be configured toconvert solar insolation into the exogenously generated electricity. Inother embodiments, exogenous electricity source 392 comprises a windelectric system, a tidal electric system, a wave electric system, ahydroelectric system, etc. In further embodiments, exogenous electricitysource 392 comprises a system configured to generate exogenouslygenerated electricity that is operated by a private party and not by apublic utility. In these or other embodiments, exogenous electricitysource 392 comprises a system configured to generate exogenouslygenerated electricity that also is configured so that exogenouslygenerated electricity generated by exogenous electricity source 392 canbe sold to a public utility and provided to an electric grid of thepublic utility. In some embodiments, exogenous electricity source 392can be a system other than a system configured to generate water for auser of water generating unit 301. The terms “exogenous electricitysource” and “exogenous-electricity-generating-system” are usedinterchangeably herein.

In various embodiments, exogenous electricity source 392 is astand-alone system that operates separately and/or independently fromwater generating unit 301. In these or other embodiments, exogenouselectricity source 392 is useful without being used with watergenerating unit 301.

In various embodiments, exhaust process fluid source 393 comprises anysuitable system configured to generate an exhaust process fluid. Forexample, in many embodiments, exhaust process fluid source 393 comprisesa steam generator or a system implementing a steam generator, abioreactor, etc. In some embodiments, exhaust process fluid source 393is a system other than a system configured to generate water for a userof water generating unit 301. The terms “exhaust process fluid source”and “exhaust-process-fluid-generating-system” are used interchangeablyherein.

In various embodiments, exhaust process fluid source 393 is astand-alone system that operates separately and/or independently fromwater generating unit 301. In these or other embodiments, exhaustprocess fluid source 393 is useful without being used with watergenerating unit 301.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 isconfigured to control one or more parts of water generating unit 301.For example, in many embodiments, water generating unit control system314 controls operation of blower 307, circulator 308 and/or actuator312. Further, in some embodiments, water generating unit control system314 controls operation of condenser 306, such as, for example, whencondenser 306 is implemented as an active device.

For example, in various embodiments, water generating unit controlsystem 314 controls (e.g., increases or decreases) a speed at whichblower 307 moves (e.g., pumps) the process fluid(s). Further, in theseor other embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 controls(e.g., increases or decreases) a speed at which circulator 308 moves(e.g., pumps) the regeneration fluid(s). Further still, in these orother embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 controls(e.g., increases or decreases) a speed at which actuator 312 moves(e.g., rotates) desiccant element 311.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 employsa control algorithm to control blower 307, circulator 308 and/oractuator 312, such as, for example, in a manner that maximizes the watergenerated by water generating unit 301 and/or minimizes electricity usedby water generating unit 301 to generate water.

In various embodiments, the control algorithm determines (e.g., solves)optimal control conditions for blower 307, circulator 308 and/oractuator 312 as a function of (i) an ambient air temperature at watergenerating unit 301, (ii) an ambient air relative humidity at watergenerating unit 301, (iii) a temperature of the exhaust process fluid,(iv) a relative humidity of the exhaust process fluid, (v) anendogenously generated heat temperature of the endogenously generatedheat generated by first endogenous heat source 302, (vi) an endogenouslygenerated heat rate of flow of the endogenously generated heat generatedby first endogenous heat source 302, (vii) an endogenously generatedheat temperature of the endogenously generated heat generated by secondendogenous heat source 303, (viii) an endogenously generated heat rateof flow of the endogenously generated heat generated by secondendogenous heat source 303, (ix) an exogenously generated heattemperature of the exogenously generated heat received by heat exchanger304, and/or (x) an exogenously generated heat rate of flow of theexogenously generated heat received by heat exchanger 304. For example,in some embodiments, the control algorithm controlling blower 307,circulator 308 and/or actuator 312 evaluates the ambient air temperatureat water generating unit 301 and/or the ambient air relative humidity atwater generating unit 301 when water generating unit 301 is configuredto receive the atmospheric process fluid. Further, in some embodiments,the control algorithm controlling blower 307, circulator 308 and/oractuator 312 evaluates the temperature of the exhaust process fluidand/or the relative humidity of the exhaust process fluid when watergenerating unit 301 is configured to receive the exhaust process fluid.Further, in some embodiments, the control algorithm controlling blower307, circulator 308 and/or actuator 312 evaluates the endogenouslygenerated heat temperature of the endogenously generated heat generatedby first endogenous heat source 302 and/or the endogenously generatedheat rate of flow of the endogenously generated heat generated by firstendogenous heat source 302 when water generating unit 301 comprisesfirst endogenous heat source 302. Further, in some embodiments, thecontrol algorithm controlling blower 307, circulator 308 and/or actuator312 evaluates the endogenously generated heat temperature of theendogenously generated heat generated by second endogenous heat source303 and/or the endogenously generated heat rate of flow of theendogenously generated heat generated by second endogenous heat source303 when water generating unit 301 comprises second endogenous heatsource 303. Further, in some embodiments, the control algorithmcontrolling blower 307, circulator 308 and/or actuator 312 evaluates theexogenously generated heat temperature of the exogenously generated heatreceived by heat exchanger 304 and/or the exogenously generated heatrate of flow of the exogenously generated heat received by heatexchanger 304 when water generating unit 301 comprises heat exchanger304. Further, in many embodiments, the control algorithm controllingblower 307, circulator 308 and/or actuator 312 determines (e.g., solves)optimal control conditions for blower 307, circulator 308 and/oractuator 312 relative to each other.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314communicates with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more temperaturesensors) configured to detect (e.g., detect in real-time) the ambientair temperature at water generating unit 301 in order to determine theambient air temperature at water generating unit 301.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314communicates with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more humiditysensors) configured to detect (e.g., detect in real-time) the ambientair relative humidity at water generating unit 301 in order to determinethe ambient air relative humidity at water generating unit 301.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314communicates with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more temperaturesensors) configured to detect (e.g., detect in real-time) thetemperature of the exhaust process fluid in order to determine thetemperature of the exhaust process fluid.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314communicates with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more humiditysensors) configured to detect (e.g., detect in real-time) the relativehumidity of the exhaust process fluid in order to determine the relativehumidity of the exhaust process fluid.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314communicates with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more temperaturesensors) configured to detect (e.g., detect in real-time) theendogenously generated heat temperature of the endogenously generatedheat generated by first endogenous heat source 302 in order to determinethe endogenously generated heat temperature of the endogenouslygenerated heat generated by first endogenous heat source 302.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314communicates with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more heat rate offlow sensors) configured to detect (e.g., detect in real-time) theendogenously generated heat rate of flow of the endogenously generatedheat generated by first endogenous heat source 302 in order to determinethe endogenously generated heat rate of flow of the endogenouslygenerated heat generated by first endogenous heat source 302. In otherembodiments, water generating unit control system 314 communicates withone or more mass flow rate sensors configured to detect (e.g., detect inreal-time) a mass flow rate of the endogenously generated heat and oneor more temperature sensors configured to detect (e.g., detect inreal-time) a temperature of the endogenously generated heat, whichinformation can be used to determine (e.g., determine in real-time) theheat rate of flow of the endogenously generated heat.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314communicates with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more temperaturesensors) configured to detect (e.g., detect in real-time) theendogenously generated heat temperature of the endogenously generatedheat generated by second endogenous heat source 303 in order todetermine the endogenously generated heat temperature of theendogenously generated heat generated by second endogenous heat source303.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314communicates with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more heat rate offlow sensors) configured to detect (e.g., detect in real-time) theendogenously generated heat rate of flow of the endogenously generatedheat generated by second endogenous heat source 303 in order todetermine the endogenously generated heat rate of flow of theendogenously generated heat generated by second endogenous heat source303. In other embodiments, water generating unit control system 314communicates with one or more mass flow rate sensors configured todetect (e.g., detect in real-time) a mass flow rate of the endogenouslygenerated heat and one or more temperature sensors configured to detect(e.g., detect in real-time) a temperature of the endogenously generatedheat, which information can be used to determine (e.g., determine inreal-time) the heat rate of flow of the endogenously generated heat.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314communicates with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more temperaturesensors) configured to detect (e.g., detect in real-time) theexogenously generated heat temperature of the exogenously generated heatreceived by heat exchanger 304 in order to determine the exogenouslygenerated heat temperature of the exogenously generated heat received byheat exchanger 304.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314communicates with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more heat rate offlow sensors) configured to detect (e.g., detect in real-time) theexogenously generated heat rate of flow of the exogenously generatedheat received by heat exchanger 304 in order to determine theexogenously generated heat rate of flow of the exogenously generatedheat received by heat exchanger 304. In other embodiments, watergenerating unit control system 314 communicates with one or more massflow rate sensors configured to detect (e.g., detect in real-time) amass flow rate of the exogenously generated heat and one or moretemperature sensors configured to detect (e.g., detect in real-time) atemperature of the exogenously generated heat, which information can beused to determine (e.g., determine in real-time) the heat rate of flowof the exogenously generated heat.

For example, in various embodiments, water generating unit controlsystem 314 decreases the speed of actuator 312 as (a) the ambient airtemperature at water generating unit 301 increases, (b) the ambient airrelative humidity at water generating unit 301 increases, (c) thetemperature of the exhaust process fluid increases, and/or (iv) therelative humidity of the exhaust process fluid increases. In variousembodiments, water generating unit control system 314 decreases thespeed of actuator 312 as (i) the endogenously generated heat temperatureof the endogenously generated heat generated by first endogenous heatsource 302 decreases, (ii) the endogenously generated heat rate of flowof the endogenously generated heat generated by first endogenous heatsource 302 decreases, (iii) the endogenously generated heat temperatureof the endogenously generated heat generated by second endogenous heatsource 303 decreases, (iv) the endogenously generated heat rate of flowof the endogenously generated heat generated by second endogenous heatsource 303 decreases, (v) the exogenously generated heat temperature ofthe exogenously generated heat received by heat exchanger 304 decreases,and/or (vi) the exogenously generated heat rate of flow of theexogenously generated heat received by heat exchanger 304 decreases. Inthese or other embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 canincrease the speed of actuator 312 as (a) the ambient air temperature atwater generating unit 301 decreases, (b) the ambient air relativehumidity at water generating unit 301 decreases, (c) the temperature ofthe exhaust process fluid decreases, and/or (d) the relative humidity ofthe exhaust process fluid decreases. In these or other embodiments,water generating unit control system 314 can increase the speed ofactuator 312 as (i) the endogenously generated heat temperature of theendogenously generated heat generated by first endogenous heat source302 increases, (ii) the endogenously generated heat rate of flow of theendogenously generated heat generated by first endogenous heat source302 increases, (iii) the endogenously generated heat temperature of theendogenously generated heat generated by second endogenous heat source303 increases, (iv) the endogenously generated heat rate of flow of theendogenously generated heat generated by second endogenous heat source303 increases, (v) the exogenously generated heat temperature of theexogenously generated heat received by heat exchanger 304 increases,and/or (vi) the exogenously generated heat rate of flow of theexogenously generated heat received by heat exchanger 304 increases.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314increases the speed of blower 307 and/or circulator 308 as (a) theambient air temperature at water generating unit 301 increases, (b) theambient air relative humidity at water generating unit 301 increases,(c) the temperature of the exhaust process fluid increases, and/or (d)the relative humidity of the exhaust process fluid increases. In variousembodiments, water generating unit control system 314 increases thespeed of blower 307 and/or circulator 308 as (i) the endogenouslygenerated heat temperature of the endogenously generated heat generatedby first endogenous heat source 302 decreases, (ii) the endogenouslygenerated heat rate of flow of the endogenously generated heat generatedby first endogenous heat source 302 decreases, (iii) the endogenouslygenerated heat temperature of the endogenously generated heat generatedby second endogenous heat source 303 decreases, (iv) the endogenouslygenerated heat rate of flow of the endogenously generated heat generatedby second endogenous heat source 303 decreases, (v) the exogenouslygenerated heat temperature of the exogenously generated heat received byheat exchanger 304 decreases, and/or (vi) the exogenously generated heatrate of flow of the exogenously generated heat received by heatexchanger 304 decreases. In these or other embodiments, water generatingunit control system 314 decreases the speed of circulator 308 as (a) theambient air temperature at water generating unit 301 decreases, (b) theambient air relative humidity at water generating unit 301 decreases,(c) the temperature of the exhaust process fluid decreases, and/or (d)the relative humidity of the exhaust process fluid decreases. In theseor other embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 decreasesthe speed of circulator 308 as (i) the endogenously generated heattemperature of the endogenously generated heat generated by firstendogenous heat source 302 increases, (ii) the endogenously generatedheat rate of flow of the endogenously generated heat generated by firstendogenous heat source 302 increases, (iii) the endogenously generatedheat temperature of the endogenously generated heat generated by secondendogenous heat source 303 increases, (iv) the endogenously generatedheat rate of flow of the endogenously generated heat generated by secondendogenous heat source 303 increases, (v) the exogenously generated heattemperature of the exogenously generated heat received by heat exchanger304 increases, and/or (vi) the exogenously generated heat rate of flowof the exogenously generated heat received by heat exchanger 304increases.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314controls when water generating unit 301 uses the exhaust process fluidgenerated by exhaust process fluid source 393 to generate water. Forexample, in these or other embodiments, water generating unit controlsystem 314 selectively opens or closes one or more valves of theconduit(s) coupling blower 307 to exhaust process fluid source 393 tocontrol when water generating unit 301 uses exhaust process fluidgenerated by exogenous electricity source 392 to generate water. Byopening the valve(s) of the conduit(s) coupling blower 307 to exhaustprocess fluid source 393, water generating unit control system 314 canmake available the exhaust process fluid to blower 307 so that watergenerating unit 301 can use the exhaust process fluid to generate water.

As used herein, opening valve(s) and/or causing valve(s) to comprise anopen position should be understood to allow and/or facilitatecommunication of fluid from one portion of a water generating system toother portions of the water generating system; closing valve(s) and/orcausing valve(s) to comprise a closed position should be understood toprevent and/or decrease communication of fluid from one portion of awater generating system to another portion of the water generatingsystem. In various embodiments, valve(s) may be partially opened and/orclosed to increase and/or decrease, respectively, a relative rate offluid communication within the water generating system. As used herein,reference to opening and/or closing valve(s) should be understood toinclude partially opening and/or closing valve(s).

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 employsa control algorithm to control (e.g., open or close) the valve(s) of theconduit(s) coupling blower 307 to exhaust process fluid source 393, suchas, for example, in a manner that maximizes the water generated by watergenerating unit 301 and/or minimizes electricity used by watergenerating unit 301 to generate water. By employing the controlalgorithm, water generating unit control system 314 can evaluate whetherthe exhaust process fluid is used by water generating unit 301 togenerate water.

For example, the control algorithm can determine (e.g., solve) optimalcontrol conditions for the valve(s) of the conduit(s) coupling blower307 to exhaust process fluid source 393 as a function of (i) a backpressure acting on the exhaust process fluid, (ii) a flow rate of theexhaust process fluid, (iii) a relative humidity of the atmosphericprocess fluid (i.e., an ambient air relative humidity at watergenerating unit 301), (iv) a relative humidity of the exhaust processfluid, and/or (v) a chemistry of the exhaust process fluid. In someembodiments, the control algorithm to control (e.g., open or close) thevalve(s) of the conduit(s) coupling blower 307 to exhaust process fluidsource 393 can be part of the control algorithm that controls blower307, circulator 308 and/or actuator 312, and vice versa.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314communicates with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more pressuresensors) configured to detect (e.g., detect in real-time) the backpressure acting on the exhaust pressure fluid in order to determine theback pressure acting on the exhaust pressure fluid.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314communicates with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more fluid flow ratesensors) configured to detect (e.g., detect in real-time) the flow rateof the exhaust process fluid in order to determine the flow rate of theexhaust process fluid.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314communicates with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more humiditysensors) configured to detect (e.g., detect in real-time) the relativehumidity of the atmospheric process fluid in order to determine therelative humidity of the atmospheric process fluid.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314communicates with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more humiditysensors) configured to detect (e.g., detect in real-time) the relativehumidity of the exhaust process fluid in order to determine the relativehumidity of the exhaust process fluid.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314communicates with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more particlesensors, one or more gas sensors, etc.) configured to detect (e.g.,detect in real-time) the chemistry of the exhaust process fluid in orderto determine the chemistry of the exhaust process fluid.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 opensthe valve(s) of the conduit(s) coupling blower 307 to exhaust processfluid source 393 when a relative humidity of the exhaust process fluidexceeds a relative humidity of the atmospheric process fluid (i.e., anambient air relative humidity at water generating unit 301), and closesthe valve(s) of the conduit(s) coupling blower 307 to exhaust processfluid source 393 when a relative humidity of the atmospheric processfluid (i.e., an ambient air relative humidity at water generating unit301) exceeds a relative humidity of the exhaust process fluid.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 opensthe valve(s) of the conduit(s) coupling blower 307 to exhaust processfluid source 393 when the back pressure acting on the exhaust pressurefluid is less than a predetermined pressure, and closes the valve(s) ofthe conduit(s) coupling blower 307 to exhaust process fluid source 393when the back pressure acting on the exhaust pressure fluid is greaterthan or equal to the predetermined pressure. For example, thepredetermined back pressure can be selected as a pressure at which theelectricity used by blower 307 exceeds a predetermined amount ofelectric power, and/or a pressure having a force equal to a maximumforce that blower 307 can apply to the process fluid(s).

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 opensthe valve(s) of the conduit(s) coupling blower 307 to exhaust processfluid source 393 when the flow rate of the exhaust process fluid isgreater than a predetermined flow rate. For example, the predeterminedflow rate can be selected as a maximum flow rate at which blower 307 canmove (e.g., pump) the atmospheric process fluid and/or the exhaustprocess fluid.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 closesthe valve(s) of the conduit(s) coupling blower 307 to exhaust processfluid source 393 when a presence and/or a quantity of one or morematerials toxic to humans, pets, and/or other animals in the exhaustprocess fluid is detected by the sensor(s) (e.g., e.g., one or moreparticle sensors, one or more gas sensors, etc.) configured to detect(e.g., detect in real-time) the chemistry of the exhaust process fluid.

In various embodiments, as noted above, water generating unit controlsystem 314 controls when water generating unit 301 uses (a) endogenouslygenerated heat generated by first endogenous heat source 302 to generatewater, (b) endogenously generated heat generated by second endogenousheat source 303 to generate water, and/or (c) exogenously generated heatreceived by heat exchanger 304 to generate water.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314controls when water generating unit 301 uses exogenously generatedelectricity generated by exogenous electricity source 392 to generatewater in order to control when water generating unit control system 314uses endogenously generated heat generated by second endogenous heatsource 303 to generate water. As used herein, closing electricalswitch(es) and/or causing electrical switch(es) to comprise an closedposition should be understood to allow and/or facilitate communicationof electrical current through an electrical line of a water generatingsystem so as to energize one or more portions of the water generatingsystem; opening electrical switch(es) and/or causing electricalswitch(es) to comprise an open position should be understood to preventcommunication of electrical current through an electrical line of awater generating system so as to de-energize one or more portions of thewater generating system.

For example, water generating unit control system 314 can selectivelyclose or open one or more electrical switches to energize orde-energize, respectively, an electrical line configured to electricallycouple exogenous electricity source 392 to second endogenous heat source303 to control when water generating unit 301 uses exogenously generatedelectricity generated by exogenous electricity source 392 to generatewater. By closing the electrical switch(es) of the electrical lineconfigured to electrically couple exogenous electricity source 392 tosecond endogenous heat source 303, water generating unit control system314 can make available the exogenous electricity generated by exogenouselectricity source 392 to second endogenous heat source 303. In turn,second endogenous heat source 303 can use the exogenous electricitygenerated by exogenous electricity source 392 to generate theendogenously generated heat generated by second endogenous heat source303 and make available the endogenously generated heat generated bysecond endogenous heat source 303 to the regeneration fluid(s) of watergenerating unit 301 so that water generating unit 301 can use theendogenously generated heat generated by second endogenous heat source303 to generate water. In further embodiments, water generating unitcontrol system 314 also controls a quantity of the exogenously generatedelectricity generated by exogenous electricity source 392 that secondendogenous heat source 303 uses to generate water. For example, watergenerating unit control system 314 can limit the quantity of theexogenously generated electricity generated by exogenous electricitysource 392 that second endogenous heat source 303 draws from exogenouselectricity source 392 so that the quantity does not exceed a percentageof a total quantity of exogenously generated electricity generated byexogenous electricity source 392.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314selectively opens or closes one or more valves of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to firstendogenous heat source 302 to control when water generating unit 301uses endogenously generated heat generated by first endogenous heatsource 302 to generate water. By opening the valve(s) of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to firstendogenous heat source 302, water generating unit control system 314 canmake available the endogenously generated heat generated by firstendogenous heat source 302 to the regeneration fluid(s) so that watergenerating unit 301 can use the endogenously generated heat generated byfirst endogenous heat source 302 to generate water.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314selectively opens or closes one or more valves of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to secondendogenous heat source 303 to control when water generating unit 301uses endogenously generated heat generated by second endogenous heatsource 303 to generate water. By opening the valve(s) of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to secondendogenous heat source 303, water generating unit control system 314 canmake available the endogenously generated heat generated by secondendogenous heat source 303 to the regeneration fluid(s) so that watergenerating unit 301 can use the endogenously generated heat generated bysecond endogenous heat source 303 to generate water.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314selectively opens or closes one or more valves of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to heat exchanger304 to control when water generating unit 301 uses exogenously generatedheat received by heat exchanger 304 to generate water. By opening thevalve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to make available the regenerationfluid(s) to heat exchanger 304, water generating unit control system 314can make available the exogenously generated heat received by heatexchanger 304 to the regeneration fluid(s) so that water generating unit301 can use the exogenously generated heat received by heat exchanger304 to generate water.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 employsa control algorithm to (a) control (e.g., close or open) the electricalswitch(es) of the electrical line configured to electrically coupleexogenous electricity source 392 to second endogenous heat source 303,(b) control (e.g., open or close) the valve(s) of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to firstendogenous heat source 302, (c) control (e.g., open or close) thevalve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to make available the regenerationfluid(s) to second endogenous heat source 303, and/or (d) control (e.g.,open or close) the valve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to makeavailable the regeneration fluid(s) to heat exchanger 304, such as, forexample, in a manner that maximizes the water generated by watergenerating unit 301 and/or minimizes electricity used by watergenerating unit 301 to generate water. By employing the controlalgorithm, water generating unit control system 314 can evaluate whether(i) the endogenously generated heat generated by first endogenous heatsource 302 can be used to increase the yield of generated water, (ii)the endogenously generated heat generated by second endogenous heatsource 303 (e.g., the exogenous electricity generated by exogenouselectricity source 392) can be used to increase the yield of generatedwater, and/or (iii) the exogenously generated heat received by heatexchanger 304 can be used to increase the yield of generated water.

For example, the control algorithm can determine (e.g., solve) optimalcontrol conditions for (a) the electrical switch(es) of the electricalline configured to electrically couple exogenous electricity source 392to second endogenous heat source 303, (b) the valve(s) of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to firstendogenous heat source 302, (c) the valve(s) of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to secondendogenous heat source 303, and/or (d) the valve(s) of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to heat exchanger304. In various embodiments, such optimal control conditions can bedetermined as a function of (i) an ambient air temperature at watergenerating unit 301, (ii) an ambient air relative humidity at watergenerating unit 301, (iii) a temperature of the exhaust process fluid,(iv) a relative humidity of the exhaust process fluid, (v) anendogenously generated heat temperature of the endogenously generatedheat generated by first endogenous heat source 302, (vi) an endogenouslygenerated heat rate of flow of the endogenously generated heat generatedby first endogenous heat source 302, (vii) an endogenously generatedheat temperature of the endogenously generated heat generated by secondendogenous heat source 303, (viii) an endogenously generated heat rateof flow of the endogenously generated heat generated by secondendogenous heat source 303, (ix) an exogenously generated heattemperature of the exogenously generated heat received by heat exchanger304, (x) an exogenously generated heat rate of flow of the exogenouslygenerated heat received by heat exchanger 304, (xi) a buy back rate ofthe exogenously generated electricity generated by exogenous electricitysource 392, (xii) a temperature of an inverter of exogenous-electricitygenerating-system 392, (xiii) an available electric power of theexogenously generated electricity generated by exogenous electricitysource 392, (xiv) a potential available electric power of theexogenously generated electricity generated by exogenous electricitysource 392, (xv) an available quantity of stored water stored by watergenerating unit 301, (xvi) a water use pattern of the user of watergenerating unit 301, (xvii) a forecast of weather at water generatingunit 301, (xvii) a date, (xix) a clock time, (xx) a location of watergenerating unit 301, and/or (xxi) at least one alternative use for theexogenously generated heat received by heat exchanger 304.

As used herein, the buy back rate of the exogenously generatedelectricity generated by exogenous electricity source 392 can refer to amarket price per unit at which the exogenously generated electricitygenerated by exogenous electricity source 392 can be sold to a thirdparty (e.g., a public utility). Further, as used herein, an inverter ofexogenous electricity source 392 can refer to a power inverter thatexogenous electricity source 392 can use to convert exogenouslygenerated electricity generated by exogenous electricity source 392 fromdirect current to alternating current, such as, for example, so that theexogenously generated electricity generated by exogenous electricitysource 392 can be sold to a third party (e.g., a public utility).Further, as used herein, the available electric power of the exogenouslygenerated electricity generated by exogenous electricity source 392 canrefer to an electric power of the exogenously generated electricitygenerated by exogenous electricity source 392 that is currentlyavailable, and the potential available electric power of the exogenouslygenerated electricity generated by exogenous electricity source 392 canrefer to an electric power of the exogenously generated electricitygenerated by exogenous electricity source 392 that could be madeavailable by increasing production (e.g., a maximum electric power ofexogenously generated electricity generated by exogenous electricitysource 392 that can be produced).

For example, the potential available electric power of the exogenouslygenerated electricity generated by exogenous electricity source 392 candepend on a system architecture of exogenous electricity source 392.Further, as used herein, the available quantity of water stored by watergenerating unit 301 can refer to a quantity of water held in reserve bywater generating unit 301, such as, for example, at reservoir 315.Further, as used herein, the water use pattern of the user of watergenerating unit 301 can refer to a pattern of water use by the user ofwater generating unit 301 broken up into increments of time (e.g.,hours, days, weeks, etc.).

In these or other embodiments, the control algorithm controlling (a) theelectrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured to electricallycouple exogenous electricity source 392 to second endogenous heat source303, (b) the valve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to make available theregeneration fluid(s) to first endogenous heat source 302, (c) thevalve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to make available the regenerationfluid(s) to second endogenous heat source 303, and/or (d) the valve(s)of the conduit(s) configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s)to heat exchanger 304, can determine (e.g., solve) optimal controlconditions for (i) the electrical switch(es) of the electrical lineconfigured to electrically couple exogenous electricity source 392 tosecond endogenous heat source 303, (ii) the valve(s) of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to firstendogenous heat source 302, (iii) the valve(s) of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to secondendogenous heat source 303, and/or (iv) the valve(s) of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to heat exchanger304 relative to each other.

In some embodiments, the control algorithm controlling (a) theelectrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured to electricallycouple exogenous electricity source 392 to second endogenous heat source303, (b) the valve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to make available theregeneration fluid(s) to first endogenous heat source 302, (c) thevalve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to make available the regenerationfluid(s) to second endogenous heat source 303, and/or (d) the valve(s)of the conduit(s) configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s)to heat exchanger 304, can be part of (i) the control algorithm thatcontrols the valve(s) of the conduit(s) coupling blower 307 to exhaustprocess fluid source 393 and/or (ii) the control algorithm that controlsblower 307, circulator 308 and/or actuator 312, and vice versa.

For example, in various embodiments, the control algorithm controlling(a) the electrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured toelectrically couple exogenous electricity source 392 to secondendogenous heat source 303, (b) the valve(s) of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to firstendogenous heat source 302, (c) the valve(s) of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to secondendogenous heat source 303, and/or (d) the valve(s) of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to heat exchanger304 evaluates the ambient air temperature at water generating unit 301and/or the ambient air relative humidity at water generating unit 301when water generating unit 301 is configured to receive the atmosphericprocess fluid.

In various embodiments, the control algorithm controlling (a) theelectrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured to electricallycouple exogenous electricity source 392 to second endogenous heat source303, (b) the valve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to make available theregeneration fluid(s) to first endogenous heat source 302, (c) thevalve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to make available the regenerationfluid(s) to second endogenous heat source 303, and/or (d) the valve(s)of the conduit(s) configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s)to heat exchanger 304 evaluates the temperature of the exhaust processfluid and/or the relative humidity of the exhaust process fluid whenwater generating unit 301 is configured to receive the exhaust processfluid.

In various embodiments, the control algorithm controlling (a) theelectrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured to electricallycouple exogenous electricity source 392 to second endogenous heat source303, (b) the valve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to make available theregeneration fluid(s) to first endogenous heat source 302, (c) thevalve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to make available the regenerationfluid(s) to second endogenous heat source 303, and/or (d) the valve(s)of the conduit(s) configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s)to heat exchanger 304 evaluates the endogenously generated heattemperature of the endogenously generated heat generated by firstendogenous heat source 302 and/or the endogenously generated heat rateof flow of the endogenously generated heat generated by first endogenousheat source 302 when water generating unit 301 comprises firstendogenous heat source 302.

In various embodiments, the control algorithm controlling (a) theelectrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured to electricallycouple exogenous electricity source 392 to second endogenous heat source303, (b) the valve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to make available theregeneration fluid(s) to first endogenous heat source 302,(c) thevalve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to make available the regenerationfluid(s) to second endogenous heat source 303, and/or (d) the valve(s)of the conduit(s) configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s)to heat exchanger 304 evaluates the endogenously generated heattemperature of the endogenously generated heat generated by secondendogenous heat source 303 and/or the endogenously generated heat rateof flow of the endogenously generated heat generated by secondendogenous heat source 303 when water generating unit 301 comprisessecond endogenous heat source 303.

In various embodiments, the control algorithm controlling (a) theelectrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured to electricallycouple exogenous electricity source 392 to second endogenous heat source303, (b) the valve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to make available theregeneration fluid(s) to first endogenous heat source 302, (c) thevalve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to make available the regenerationfluid(s) to second endogenous heat source 303, and/or (d) the valve(s)of the conduit(s) configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s)to heat exchanger 304 evaluates the exogenously generated heattemperature of the exogenously generated heat received by heat exchanger304 and/or the exogenously generated heat rate of flow of theexogenously generated heat received by heat exchanger 304 when watergenerating unit 301 comprises heat exchanger 304.

In various embodiments, the control algorithm controlling (a) theelectrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured to electricallycouple exogenous electricity source 392 to second endogenous heat source303, (b) the valve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to make available theregeneration fluid(s) to first endogenous heat source 302, (c) thevalve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to make available the regenerationfluid(s) to second endogenous heat source 303, and/or (d) the valve(s)of the conduit(s) configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s)to heat exchanger 304 evaluates (i) the buy back rate of the exogenouslygenerated electricity generated by exogenous electricity source 392,(ii) the temperature of the inverter of exogenous electricity source392, (iii) the available electric power of the exogenously generatedelectricity generated by exogenous electricity source 392, (iv) thepotential available electric power of the exogenously generatedelectricity generated by exogenous electricity source 392, (v) theavailable quantity of stored water stored by water generating unit 301,(vi) the water use pattern of the user of water generating unit 301,(vii) the forecast of weather at water generating unit 301, (viii) thedate, (ix) the clock time, and/or (x) the location of water generatingunit 301 when water generating system 300 comprises second endogenousheat source 303 and/or when water generating system 300 is configured togenerate water using exogenously generated electricity generated byexogenous electricity source 392.

In various embodiments, the control algorithm controlling (a) theelectrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured to electricallycouple exogenous electricity source 392 to second endogenous heat source303, (b) the valve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to make available theregeneration fluid(s) to first endogenous heat source 302, (c) thevalve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to make available the regenerationfluid(s) to second endogenous heat source 303, and/or (d) the valve(s)of the conduit(s) configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s)to heat exchanger 304 evaluates at least one alternative use for theexogenously generated heat received by heat exchanger 304 when watergenerating system 300 comprises heat exchanger 304 and/or when watergenerating system 300 is configured to generate water using exogenouslygenerated heat received by heat exchanger 304.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314communicates with one or more databases to retrieve (e.g., retrieve inreal-time) the buy back rate of the exogenously generated electricitygenerated by exogenous electricity source 392 in order to determine thebuy back rate of the exogenously generated electricity generated byexogenous electricity source 392. In various embodiments, thedatabase(s) can be maintained by a third party (e.g., a public utility).

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314communicates with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more temperaturesensors) configured to detect the temperature of the inverter ofexogenous electricity source 392 in order to determine the temperatureof the inverter of exogenous electricity source 392.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314communicates with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more voltage sensorsand one or more current sensors) configured to detect voltage andcurrent values of the exogenously generated electricity generated byexogenous electricity source 392 and calculates the available electricpower of the exogenously generated electricity generated by exogenouselectricity source 392 from the voltage and current values to determinethe available electric power of the exogenously generated electricitygenerated by exogenous electricity source 392.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314communicates with one or more databases to retrieve (e.g., retrieve inreal-time) the potential available electric power of the exogenouslygenerated electricity generated by exogenous electricity source 392 inorder to determine the potential available electric power of theexogenously generated electricity generated by exogenous electricitysource 392. In these embodiments, the specifications for exogenouselectricity source 392 can be stored at and retrieved from thedatabase(s). In various embodiments, the database(s) can be maintainedby the operator of water generating unit 301, the operator of watergenerating unit control system 314, and/or by a third party.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314communicates with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more water levelsensors) configured to detect the available quantity of stored waterstored by water generating unit 301 in order to determine the availablequantity of stored water stored by water generating unit 301.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314communicates with one or more databases to retrieve (e.g., retrieve inreal-time) the water use pattern of the user of water generating unit301 in order to determine the water use pattern of the user of watergenerating unit 301. In these embodiments, the operator of watergenerating unit 301 can track water use by the user of water generatingunit 301 during the increments of time of the water use pattern, and canstore that information in the database(s). In various embodiments, thedatabase(s) can be maintained by the operator of water generating unit301 and/or the operator of water generating unit control system 314.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314communicates with one or more databases to retrieve (e.g., retrieve inreal-time) the forecast of weather at water generating unit 301 in orderto determine the forecast of weather at water generating unit 301. Invarious embodiments, the database(s) can be maintained by a third party(e.g., a news media entity).

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314references a system clock of water generating unit control system 314 inorder to determine the date and/or clock time.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314communicates with one or more databases to retrieve (e.g., retrieve inreal-time) the location of water generating unit 301 in order todetermine the location of water generating unit 301. In theseembodiments, the location of water generating unit 301 can be stored atand retrieved from the database(s). In various embodiments, thedatabase(s) can be maintained by the operator of water generating unit301 and/or the operator of water generating unit control system 314. Inother embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 cancommunicate with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more positionsensors) configured to detect the location of water generating unit 301in order to determine the location of water generating unit 301. Forexample, the position sensor(s) can be part of a global positioningsystem.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 closesthe electrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured toelectrically couple exogenous electricity source 392 to secondendogenous heat source 303, and/or opens the valve(s) of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to secondendogenous heat source 303, when a buy back rate of the exogenouslygenerated electricity generated by exogenous electricity source 392 isless than or equal to a predetermined buy back rate. In variousembodiments, water generating unit control system 314 can open theelectrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured to electricallycouple exogenous electricity source 392 to second endogenous heat source303, and/or can close the valve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to makeavailable the regeneration fluid(s) to second endogenous heat source303, when the buy back rate of the exogenously generated electricitygenerated by exogenous electricity source 392 is greater than thepredetermined buy back rate. The predetermined buy back rate can beselected as the market price of the water generated using the unit ofthe exogenously generated electricity generated by exogenous electricitysource 392, and/or as a predetermined percentage of the market price ofthe water generated using the unit of the exogenously generatedelectricity generated by exogenous electricity source 392.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 closesthe electrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured toelectrically couple exogenous electricity source 392 to secondendogenous heat source 303, and/or opens the valve(s) of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to secondendogenous heat source 303, when an endogenously generated heattemperature of the endogenously generated heat generated by secondendogenous heat source 303 is greater than an endogenously generatedheat temperature of the endogenously generated heat generated by firstendogenous heat source 302 and/or when an endogenously generated heatrate of flow of the endogenously generated heat generated by secondendogenous heat source 303 is greater than an endogenously generatedheat rate of flow of the endogenously generated heat generated by firstendogenous heat source 302. In various embodiments, water generatingunit control system 314 opens the electrical switch(es) of theelectrical line configured to electrically couple exogenous electricitysource 392 to second endogenous heat source 303, and/or closes thevalve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to make available the regenerationfluid(s) to second endogenous heat source 303, when an endogenouslygenerated heat temperature of the endogenously generated heat generatedby second endogenous heat source 303 is less than or equal to anendogenously generated heat temperature of the endogenously generatedheat generated by first endogenous heat source 302 and/or when anendogenously generated heat rate of flow of the endogenously generatedheat generated by second endogenous heat source 303 is less than orequal to an endogenously generated heat rate of flow of the endogenouslygenerated heat generated by first endogenous heat source 302.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 closesthe electrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured toelectrically couple exogenous electricity source 392 to secondendogenous heat source 303 and/or opens the valve(s) of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to secondendogenous heat source 303 when a temperature of an inverter ofexogenous electricity source 392 is greater than or equal to apredetermined temperature. Alternatively, in various embodiments, watergenerating unit control system 314 opens the electrical switch(es) ofthe electrical line configured to electrically couple exogenouselectricity source 392 to second endogenous heat source 303 and/orcloses the valve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to make available theregeneration fluid(s) to second endogenous heat source 303 when atemperature of an inverter of exogenous electricity source 392 is lessthan the predetermined temperature. For example, the predeterminedtemperature can be selected as a temperature at which heat energy lossesresulting from converting exogenously generated electricity generated byexogenous electricity source 392 to alternating current, such as, forexample, to sell and transfer the electricity generated by exogenouselectricity source 392 to a third party is determined to be significant.In some embodiments, the heat energy losses can be determined to besignificant when a predetermined percentage of the exogenously generatedelectricity generated by exogenous electricity source 392 is lost toheat energy losses (e.g., two percent, five percent, ten percent,twenty-five percent, fifty percent, or more).

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 closesthe electrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured toelectrically couple exogenous electricity source 392 to secondendogenous heat source 303, and/or opens the valve(s) of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to secondendogenous heat source 303, when an available electric power of theexogenously generated electricity generated by exogenous electricitysource 392 is greater than a predetermined electric power and/or when apotential available electric power of the exogenously generatedelectricity generated by exogenous electricity source 392 is greaterthan a predetermined potential electric power. In various embodiments,water generating unit control system 314 opens the electrical switch(es)of the electrical line configured to electrically couple exogenouselectricity source 392 to second endogenous heat source 303, and/orcloses the valve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to make available theregeneration fluid(s) to second endogenous heat source 303, when theavailable electric power of the exogenously generated electricitygenerated by exogenous electricity source 392 is less than or equal tothe predetermined electric power and/or when the potential availableelectric power of the exogenously generated electricity generated byexogenous electricity source 392 is less than or equal to thepredetermined potential electric power. For example, the predeterminedelectric power and/or the predetermined potential electric power can beset by the operator of water generating system 300 to ensure that thereis sufficient exogenously generated electricity generated by exogenouselectricity source 392 to electrically power one or more other devices,and/or to ensure that there is sufficient exogenously generatedelectricity generated by exogenous electricity source 392 to sell to athird party (e.g., a public utility).

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 closesthe electrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured toelectrically couple exogenous electricity source 392 to secondendogenous heat source 303, and/or opens the valve(s) of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to secondendogenous heat source 303, when an available quantity of stored waterstored by water generating unit 301 is less than a predeterminedquantity of stored water. In various embodiments, water generating unitcontrol system 314 opens the electrical switch(es) of the electricalline configured to electrically couple exogenous electricity source 392to second endogenous heat source 303, and/or closes the valve(s) of theconduit(s) configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) tosecond endogenous heat source 303, when an available quantity of storedwater stored by water generating unit 301 is greater than or equal tothe predetermined quantity of stored water. In various embodiments, thepredetermined quantity of stored water can be selected to ensure that atleast a minimum amount of water is made available to the user of watergenerating unit 301.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 closesthe electrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured toelectrically couple exogenous electricity source 392 to secondendogenous heat source 303, and/or opens the valve(s) of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to secondendogenous heat source 303, when the water use pattern of the user ofwater generating unit 301 indicates that there is less water availablethan the user customarily uses at the relevant increment of time (e.g.,hour, day, week, etc.). In various embodiments, water generating unitcontrol system 314 opens the electrical switch(es) of the electricalline configured to electrically couple exogenous electricity source 392to second endogenous heat source 303, and/or closes the valve(s) of theconduit(s) configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) tosecond endogenous heat source 303, when the water use pattern of theuser of water generating unit 301 indicates that there is more wateravailable or the same amount of water available that the usercustomarily uses at the relevant increment of time (e.g., hour, day,week, etc.).

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 closesthe electrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured toelectrically couple exogenous electricity source 392 to secondendogenous heat source 303, and/or can open the valve(s) of theconduit(s) configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) tosecond endogenous heat source 303, when a weather forecast indicatesthat a current or future ambient air relative humidity at watergenerating unit 301 is or will be below a predetermined humidity and/orwhen a weather forecast indicates that it is or will be cloudy. Invarious embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 opens theelectrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured to electricallycouple exogenous electricity source 392 to second endogenous heat source303, and/or closes the valve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to makeavailable the regeneration fluid(s) to second endogenous heat source303, when the weather forecast indicates that the current or futureambient air relative humidity at water generating unit 301 is or will beabove or equal to the predetermined humidity and/or when the weatherforecast indicates that it is or will be sunny. In various embodiments,the predetermined humidity can be selected as a humidity at which watergenerating unit 301 will be able to make too little water relying ononly solar thermal heat.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 closesthe electrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured toelectrically couple exogenous electricity source 392 to secondendogenous heat source 303, and/or opens the valve(s) of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to secondendogenous heat source 303, at certain predetermined times and/or oncertain predetermined days. In various embodiments, water generatingunit control system 314 opens the electrical switch(es) of theelectrical line configured to electrically couple exogenous electricitysource 392 to second endogenous heat source 303, and/or closes thevalve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to make available the regenerationfluid(s) to second endogenous heat source 303, at certain otherpredetermined times and/or on certain other predetermined days. Invarious embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 closes theelectrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured to electricallycouple exogenous electricity source 392 to second endogenous heat source303, and/or opens the valve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to makeavailable the regeneration fluid(s) to second endogenous heat source303, during night hours and opens the electrical switch(es) of theelectrical line configured to electrically couple exogenous electricitysource 392 to second endogenous heat source 303, and/or closes thevalve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to make available the regenerationfluid(s) to second endogenous heat source 303, during day hours. Invarious embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 closes theelectrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured to electricallycouple exogenous electricity source 392 to second endogenous heat source303, and/or opens the valve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to makeavailable the regeneration fluid(s) to second endogenous heat source303, during fall, summer, and/or spring months, and opens the electricalswitch(es) of the electrical line configured to electrically coupleexogenous electricity source 392 to second endogenous heat source 303,and/or closes the valve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to makeavailable the regeneration fluid(s) to second endogenous heat source303, during winter months.

In various embodiments, when first endogenous heat source 302 comprisesa solar thermal heater, when second endogenous heat source 303 comprisesan electric heater, and when the exogenous electricity source 392comprises a photovoltaic system, water generating unit control system314 closes the electrical switch(es) of the electrical line configuredto electrically couple exogenous electricity source 392 to secondendogenous heat source 303, and/or opens the valve(s) of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to secondendogenous heat source 303, upon detecting a rise in the ambient airrelative humidity at water generating unit 301. In various embodiments,the rise in the ambient air relative humidity can result from a storm.In various embodiments, the water generating unit 301, including firstendogenous heat source 302 may be oriented more to the east thanexogenous electricity source 392, because, for example, aiming watergenerating unit 301 more to the east may increase the amount of humidityin the atmospheric process fluid received by water generating unit 301whereas aiming exogenous electricity source 392 south in the northernhemisphere and north in the southern hemisphere may increasephotovoltaic output of exogenous electricity source 392. As a result,whereas first endogenous heat source 302 may receive too little sunlightin the storm to generate sufficient heat to take advantage of theincreased humidity resulting from the storm when generating water,second endogenous heat source 303, as a result of being aimed more tothe south, may obtain sufficient sunlight to take advantage of theincreased humidity resulting from the storm when generating water.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 closesthe electrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured toelectrically couple exogenous electricity source 392 to secondendogenous heat source 303, and/or opens the valve(s) of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to secondendogenous heat source 303, at certain locations; and opens theelectrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured to electricallycouple exogenous electricity source 392 to second endogenous heat source303, and/or closes the valve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to makeavailable the regeneration fluid(s) to second endogenous heat source303, at other locations. In various embodiments, water generating unitcontrol system 314 closes the electrical switch(es) of the electricalline configured to electrically couple exogenous electricity source 392to second endogenous heat source 303, and/or opens the valve(s) of theconduit(s) configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) tosecond endogenous heat source 303, at locations below a predeterminedlatitude; and opens the electrical switch(es) of the electrical lineconfigured to electrically couple exogenous electricity source 392 tosecond endogenous heat source 303, and/or can close the valve(s) of theconduit(s) configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) tosecond endogenous heat source 303, at locations above the predeterminedlatitude.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 closesthe electrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured toelectrically couple exogenous electricity source 392 to secondendogenous heat source 303, and/or opens the valve(s) of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to heat exchanger304, when an exogenously generated heat temperature of the exogenouslygenerated heat received by heat exchanger 304 is greater than or equalto an endogenously generated heat temperature of the endogenouslygenerated heat generated by first endogenous heat source 302 and/or anendogenously generated heat temperature of the endogenously generatedheat generated by second endogenous heat source 303. In variousembodiments, water generating unit control system 314 opens theelectrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured to electricallycouple exogenous electricity source 392 to second endogenous heat source303, and/or can close the valve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to makeavailable the regeneration fluid(s) to heat exchanger 304, when theexogenously generated heat temperature of the exogenously generated heatreceived by heat exchanger 304 is less than the endogenously generatedheat temperature of the endogenously generated heat generated by firstendogenous heat source 302 and/or the endogenously generated heattemperature of the endogenously generated heat generated by secondendogenous heat source 303.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 closesthe electrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured toelectrically couple exogenous electricity source 392 to secondendogenous heat source 303, and/or opens the valve(s) of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to heat exchanger304, when an exogenously generated heat rate of flow of the exogenouslygenerated heat received by heat exchanger 304 is greater than or equalto an endogenously generated heat rate of flow of the endogenouslygenerated heat generated by first endogenous heat source 302 and/or anendogenously generated heat rate of flow of the endogenously generatedheat generated by second endogenous heat source 303. In variousembodiments, water generating unit control system 314 opens theelectrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured to electricallycouple exogenous electricity source 392 to second endogenous heat source303, and/or closes the valve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to makeavailable the regeneration fluid(s) to heat exchanger 304, when theexogenously generated heat rate of flow of the exogenously generatedheat received by heat exchanger 304 is less than the endogenouslygenerated heat rate of flow of the endogenously generated heat generatedby first endogenous heat source 302 and/or the endogenously generatedheat rate of flow of the endogenously generated heat generated by secondendogenous heat source 303.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 closesthe valve(s) of the conduit(s) configured to make available theregeneration fluid(s) to heat exchanger 304 when at least onealternative use of the exogenously generated heat received by heatexchanger 304 is identified, and/or when at least one predeterminedalternative use of the exogenously generated heat received by heatexchanger 304 is identified. In various embodiments, water generatingunit control system 314 opens the valve(s) of the conduit(s) configuredto make available the regeneration fluid(s) to heat exchanger 304 whenno other alternative use of the exogenously generated heat received byheat exchanger 304 is identified, and/or when no predeterminedalternative use or uses of the exogenously generated heat received byheat exchanger 304 is or are identified.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314communicates with one or more sensors (e.g., one or more particlesensors, one or more gas sensors, etc.) configured to detect a presenceand/or a quantity of one or more materials toxic to humans, pets, and/orother animals in the process fluid(s). Further, water generating unitcontrol system 314 can be configured to prevent water generating unit301 from generating water when these material(s) are detected and/orwhen a predetermined quantity or more of these material(s) are presentin the process fluid(s). For example, in some embodiments, one or moregases (e.g., carbon monoxide) emitted by exogenous heat source 391,exogenous electricity source 392, and/or exhaust process fluid source393 may mix with the process fluid(s). Accordingly, in variousembodiments, in response to detecting a presence and/or a quantity ofone or more materials toxic to humans, pets, and/or other animals, watergenerating unit control system 314 can disable water generating unit301.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314comprises any suitable device or devices configured to control one ormore parts of water generating unit 301. For example, water generatingunit control system 314 can comprise a computer system configured tocontrol the one or more parts of water generating unit 301. Further, thecomputer system of water generating unit control system 314 can compriseone or more processors and one or more memory storage devices (e.g., oneor more non-transitory memory storage devices). In these or otherembodiments, the processor(s) and/or the memory storage device(s) can besimilar or identical to the processor(s) and/or memory storage device(s)(e.g., non-transitory memory storage devices) described below withrespect to computer system 100 (FIG. 2 ). In various embodiments, thecomputer system of water generating unit control system 314 comprises asingle computer or server, but in many embodiments, the computer systemof water generating unit control system 314 comprises a cluster orcollection of computers or servers and/or a cloud of computers orservers. Further, in these or other embodiments, the computer system ofwater generating unit control system 314 can be implemented with adistributed network comprising a distributed memory architecture. Thedistributed memory architecture can reduce the impact on the distributednetwork and system resources to reduce congestion in bottlenecks whilestill allowing data to be accessible from a central location.

Further, in various embodiments, water generating unit control system314 is electrically coupled to any parts of water generating unit 301that water generating unit control system 314 is configured to control.For example, in various embodiments, water generating unit controlsystem 314 is electrically coupled to first endogenous heat source 302,second endogenous heat source 303, condenser 306, blower 307, circulator308, actuator 312, one or more valve(s) of water generating unit 301,one or more electrical switch(es) of water generating unit 301, etc.Further, water generating unit control system 314 can be electricallycoupled to any sensor or sensors (e.g., one or more temperature sensors,one or more humidity sensors, one or more fluid flow rate sensors, oneor more heat rate of flow sensors, one or more mass flow rate sensors,one or more particle sensors, one or more gas sensors, one or morevoltage sensors, one or more current sensors, one or more water levelsensors, one or more position sensors, etc.) from which water generatingunit control system 314 obtains measurements. In some embodiments, oneor more of the sensor(s) are part of water generating system 300, watergenerating unit 301 and/or water generating unit control system 314.

In various embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 islocated remotely from where water generating unit 301 generates waterwhen controlling operation of water generating unit 301. However, inother embodiments, water generating unit control system 314 is locatednear to or at a location where water generating unit 301 generates waterwhen controlling operation of water generating unit 301.

In some embodiments, one or more of the control algorithms employed bywater generating unit control system 314 are deterministic. In otherembodiments, one or more of the control algorithms employed by watergenerating unit control system 314 are adaptive through machinelearning.

Although water generating system 300 is described with respect to oneexogenous heat source (i.e., exogenous heat source 391), in someembodiments, water generating system 300 is modified and implemented touse exogenously generated heat received from one or more additionalexogenous heat sources, simultaneously and/or at different times. Inthese embodiments, the exogenously generated heat of the multipleexogenous heat sources can be received by one heat exchanger (e.g., heatexchanger 304) or multiple heat exchangers similar or identical to heatexchanger 304. Further, the additional exogenous heat sources can besimilar or identical to exogenous heat source 391.

Further, although water generating system 300 is described with respectto one exogenous electricity source (i.e., exogenous electricity source392), in some embodiments, water generating system 300 is modified andimplemented to use exogenously generated electricity generated by one ormore additional exogenous electricity sources, simultaneously and/or atdifferent times. In these embodiments, the exogenously generatedelectricity of the multiple exogenous electricity sources is received byand used to electrically power one endogenous heat source (e.g., secondendogenous heat source 303) or multiple endogenous heat sources similaror identical to second endogenous heat source 303. Further, theadditional endogenous heat sources can be similar or identical to secondendogenous heat source 303.

Further, although water generating system 300 is described with respectto one exhaust process fluid source (i.e., exhaust process fluid source393), in some embodiments, water generating system 300 is modified andimplemented to use one or more additional exhaust process fluidsgenerated by one or more additional exhaust process fluid sources,simultaneously and/or at different times. In these embodiments, theadditional exhaust process fluid sources can be similar or identical toexhaust process fluid source 393.

Further, although water generating system 300 is described with respectto one desiccation device (i.e., desiccation device 305), in someembodiments, water generating system 300 can be modified and implementedwith one or more additional desiccation devices, which can be similar oridentical to desiccation device 305. In these embodiments, desiccationdevice 305 and the additional desiccation device(s) can be implementedin series and/or in parallel with each other, as desired.

FIG. 4 illustrates an estimated increase in water production in litersfor a water generating unit using 1 kilowatt of exogenously generatedelectricity generated by a photovoltaic system from 11:00 am to 1:00 pmto generate supplemental endogenously generated heat for generating thewater. Specifically, FIG. 4 provides a plot (top) of solar thermal power(Watts) as a function of time (hours) and a plot (bottom) of waterproduction (liters) as a function of time (hours) where the lower solidlines in the plots show the solar thermal power and water productionwithout the exogenously generated electricity and the upper dashed linesin the plots show the solar thermal power and water production with theexogenously generated electricity. The water generating unit can besimilar or identical to water generating unit 301 (FIG. 1 ).

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method 500 ofproviding (e.g., manufacturing) a system. Method 500 is merely exemplaryand is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Method 500 canbe employed in many different embodiments or examples not specificallydepicted or described herein. In some embodiments, the activities ofmethod 500 are performed in the order presented. In other embodiments,the activities of the method 500 can be performed in any other suitableorder. In still other embodiments, one or more of the activities inmethod 500 can be combined or skipped. In many embodiments, the systemis similar or identical to water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, method 500 comprises activity 501 of providing(e.g., manufacturing) a water generating unit configured to generate thewater. In some embodiments, the water generating unit is similar oridentical to water generating unit 301 (FIG. 1 ). FIG. 6 illustrates aflow chart for an exemplary activity 501, according to the embodiment ofFIG. 5 .

For example, in many embodiments, activity 501 comprises activity 601 ofproviding a first endogenous heat source. In some embodiments, the firstendogenous heat source is similar or identical to first endogenous heatsource 302 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, activity 501 comprises activity 602 of providinga desiccation device. In some embodiments, the desiccation device issimilar or identical to desiccation device 305 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, activity 501 comprises activity 603 of providinga condenser. In some embodiments, the condenser is similar or identicalto condenser 306 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, activity 501 comprises activity 604 of providinga second endogenous heat source. In some embodiments, the secondendogenous heat source is similar or identical to second endogenous heatsource 303 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, activity 501 comprises activity 605 of providinga heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger is similar oridentical to heat exchanger 304 (FIG. 1 ). In other embodiments, one ortwo of activity 601, activity 604, or activity 605 are omitted.

In various embodiments, activity 501 comprises activity 606 of couplingthe desiccation device to the first endogenous heat source. In someembodiments, activity 606 is omitted, such as, for example, whenactivity 601 is omitted.

In various embodiments, activity 501 comprises activity 607 of couplingthe condenser to the desiccation device.

In various embodiments, activity 501 comprises activity 608 of couplingthe desiccation device to the second endogenous heat source. In someembodiments, activity 608 is omitted, such as, for example, whenactivity 604 is omitted.

In various embodiments, activity 501 comprises activity 609 of couplingthe desiccation device to the heat exchanger. In some embodiments,activity 609 is omitted, such as, for example, when activity 605 isomitted.

Referring now back to FIG. 5 , in various embodiments, method 500comprises activity 502 of providing an exogenous heat source. In someembodiments, the exogenous heat source is similar or identical toexogenous heat source 391 (FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, activity 502is omitted. In further embodiments, when method 500 comprises activity502, activity 502 also comprises coupling the exogenous heat source tothe water generating unit (e.g., the heat exchanger).

In various embodiments, method 500 comprises activity 503 of providingan exogenous electricity source. In some embodiments, the exogenouselectricity source is similar or identical to exogenous electricitysource 392 (FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, activity 503 is omitted. Infurther embodiments, when method 500 comprises activity 503, activity503 also comprises coupling the exogenous electricity source to thewater generating unit (e.g., the second endogenous heat source).

In various embodiments, method 500 comprises activity 504 of providingan exhaust process fluid source. In some embodiments, the exhaustprocess fluid source is similar or identical to exhaust process fluidsource 393. In some embodiments, activity 504 is omitted. In furtherembodiments, when method 500 comprises activity 504, activity 504 alsocomprises coupling the exhaust-process-fluid-generating system to thewater generating unit.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method 700.Method 700 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodimentspresented herein. Method 700 can be employed in many differentembodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein.In some embodiments, the activities of method 700 are performed in theorder presented. In other embodiments, the activities of the method 700are performed in any other suitable order. In still other embodiments,one or more of the activities in method 700 are combined or skipped.

In various embodiments, method 700 is implemented via execution ofcomputer instructions configured to run at one or more processors andconfigured to be stored at one or more non-transitory memory storagedevices. In some embodiments, the processor(s) can be similar oridentical to the processor(s) described above with respect to computersystem 100 (FIG. 2 ), and/or the non-transitory memory storage device(s)are similar or identical to the non-transitory memory storage device(s)described above with respect to computer system 100 (FIG. 2 ). Further,the processor(s) and/or non-transitory memory storage device(s) can bepart of a water generating unit control system, which can be similar oridentical to water generating unit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, method 700 comprises activity 701 of evaluatingwhether to use exogenously generated electricity to generate water witha water generating unit. In some embodiments, performing activity 701 issimilar or identical to evaluating whether to use exogenously generatedelectricity to generate water with a water generating unit as describedabove with respect to water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 ) and/or watergenerating unit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ). Further, the watergenerating unit can be similar or identical to water generating unit 301(FIG. 1 ). Also, the exogenously generated electricity can be similar tothe exogenously generated electricity generated by exogenous electricitysource 392 (FIG. 1 ) as described above with respect to water generatingsystem 300 (FIG. 1 ) and/or water generating unit control system 314(FIG. 1 ). FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart for an exemplary activity701, according to the embodiment of FIG. 7 .

In various embodiments, activity 701 comprises activity 801 ofdetermining a buy back rate of the exogenously generated electricity. Insome embodiments, performing activity 801 is similar or identical todetermining a buy back rate of the exogenously generated electricity asdescribed above with respect to water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 )and/or water generating unit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ). Further, thebuy back rate can be similar or identical to the buy back rate describedabove with respect to water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 ) and/or watergenerating unit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, activity 701 comprises activity 802 ofdetermining a rate of flow of a first endogenously generated heat. Insome embodiments, performing activity 802 is similar or identical todetermining a rate of flow of the first endogenously generated heat asdescribed above with respect to water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 )and/or water generating unit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ). Further, thefirst endogenously generated heat can be similar or identical to theendogenously generated heat generated by first endogenous heat source302 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, activity 701 comprises activity 803 ofdetermining a temperature of the first endogenously generated heat. Insome embodiments, performing activity 803 is similar or identical todetermining a temperature of the first endogenously generated heatgenerated as described above with respect to water generating system 300(FIG. 1 ) and/or water generating unit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, activity 701 comprises activity 804 ofdetermining a temperature of an inverter of an exogenous electricitysource configured to generate the exogenously generated electricity. Insome embodiments, performing activity 804 is similar or identical todetermining a temperature of an inverter of an exogenous electricitysource configured to generate the exogenously generated electricity.Further, the exogenous electricity source can be similar or identical toexogenous electricity source 392 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, activity 701 comprises activity 805 ofdetermining an available electric power of the exogenously generatedelectricity. In various embodiments, performing activity 805 can besimilar or identical to determining an available electric power of theexogenously generated electricity as described above with respect towater generating system 300 (FIG. 1 ) and/or water generating unitcontrol system 314 (FIG. 1 ). Further, the available electric power ofthe exogenously generated electricity can be similar or identical to theavailable electric power of the exogenously generated electricity asdescribed above with respect to water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 )and/or water generating unit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, activity 701 comprises activity 806 ofdetermining a potential available electric power of the exogenouslygenerated electricity. In some embodiments, performing activity 805 issimilar or identical to determining a potential available electric powerof the exogenously generated electricity as described above with respectto water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 ) and/or water generating unitcontrol system 314 (FIG. 1 ). Further, the potential available electricpower of the exogenously generated electricity can be similar oridentical to the potential available electric power of the exogenouslygenerated electricity as described above with respect to watergenerating system 300 (FIG. 1 ) and/or water generating unit controlsystem 314 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, activity 701 comprises activity 807 ofdetermining an available quantity of stored water. In some embodiments,performing activity 807 is similar or identical to determining anavailable quantity of stored water as described above with respect towater generating system 300 (FIG. 1 ) and/or water generating unitcontrol system 314 (FIG. 1 ). Further, the available quantity of storedwater can be similar or identical to the quantity of stored waterdescribed above with respect to water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 )and/or water generating unit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, activity 701 comprises activity 808 ofdetermining a water use pattern of a user of the water generatingsystem. In some embodiments, performing activity 808 is similar oridentical to determining a water use pattern of a user of the watergenerating system as described above with respect to water generatingsystem 300 (FIG. 1 ) and/or water generating unit control system 314(FIG. 1 ). Further, the water use pattern of the user of the watergenerating system can be similar or identical to the water use patternof the user of the water generating system described above with respectto water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 ) and/or water generating unitcontrol system 314 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, activity 701 comprises activity 809 ofdetermining a forecast of weather at the water generating unit.Performing activity 809 can be similar or identical to determining aforecast of weather at the water generating unit as described above withrespect to water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 ) and/or water generatingunit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, activity 701 comprises activity 810 ofdetermining a date. In some embodiments, performing activity 810 can besimilar or identical to determining a date as described above withrespect to water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 ) and/or water generatingunit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, activity 701 comprises activity 811 ofdetermining a clock time. In some embodiments, performing activity 811is similar or identical to determining a clock time as described abovewith respect to water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 ) and/or watergenerating unit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, activity 701 comprises activity 812 ofdetermining a location of the water generating unit. In someembodiments, performing activity 812 is similar or identical todetermining a location of the water generating unit as described abovewith respect to water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 ) and/or watergenerating unit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ).

Referring now back to FIG. 7 , in various embodiments, method 700comprises activity 702 of making available the exogenously generatedelectricity to a second endogenous heat source of the water generatingunit. In some embodiments, performing activity 702 is similar oridentical to making available the exogenously generated electricity to asecond endogenous heat source of the water generating unit as describedabove with respect to water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 ) and/or watergenerating unit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ). Further, the secondendogenous heat source can be similar or identical to second endogenousheat source 303 (FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, activity 702 can beperformed after activity 701.

In various embodiments, method 700 comprises activity 703 of generatingsecond endogenously generated heat with the exogenously generatedelectricity. In some embodiments, performing activity 703 is similar oridentical to generating the second endogenously generated heat with theexogenously generated electricity as described above with respect towater generating system 300 (FIG. 1 ) and/or water generating unitcontrol system 314 (FIG. 1 ). Further, the second endogenously generatedheat can be similar or identical to the endogenously generated heatgenerated by second endogenous heat source as described above withrespect to water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 ) and/or water generatingunit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, method 700 comprises activity 704 of generatingwater with the water generating unit using the second endogenouslygenerated heat. In some embodiments, performing activity 704 is similaror identical to generating water with the water generating unit usingthe second endogenously generated heat as described above with respectto water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 ) and/or water generating unitcontrol system 314 (FIG. 1 ).

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method 900.Method 900 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodimentspresented herein. Method 900 can be employed in many differentembodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein.In some embodiments, the activities of method 900 is performed in theorder presented. In other embodiments, the activities of the method 900is performed in any other suitable order. In still other embodiments,one or more of the activities in method 900 are combined or skipped.

In various embodiments, method 900 is implemented via execution ofcomputer instructions configured to run at one or more processors andconfigured to be stored at one or more non-transitory memory storagedevices. In some embodiments, the processor(s) are similar or identicalto the processor(s) described above with respect to computer system 100(FIG. 2 ), and/or the non-transitory memory storage device(s) aresimilar or identical to the non-transitory memory storage device(s)described above with respect to computer system 100 (FIG. 2 ). Further,the processor(s) and/or non-transitory memory storage device(s) can bepart of a water generating unit control system, which can be similar oridentical to water generating unit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, method 900 comprises activity 901 of evaluatingwhether to use exogenously generated heat to generate water with a watergenerating unit. In some embodiments, performing activity 901 is similaror identical to evaluating whether to use exogenously generated heat togenerate water with a water generating unit as described above withrespect to water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 ) and/or water generatingunit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ). Further, the water generating unitcan be similar or identical to water generating unit 301 (FIG. 1 ).Also, the exogenously generated heat can be similar or identical to theexogenously generated heat generated by exogenous heat source 391 (FIG.1 ) as described above with respect to water generating system 300 (FIG.1 ) and/or water generating unit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ). FIG. 10illustrates a flow chart for an exemplary activity 901, according to theembodiment of FIG. 10 .

For example, in various embodiments, activity 901 comprises activity1001 of determining a rate of flow of first endogenously generated heat.In various embodiments, performing activity 1001 is similar or identicalto determining a rate of flow of first endogenously generated heat asdescribed above with respect to water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 )and/or water generating unit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ). Further, thefirst endogenously generated heat can be similar or identical to theendogenously generated heat generated by first endogenous heat source302 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, activity 901 can comprise activity 1002 ofdetermining a temperature of the first endogenously generated heat. Insome embodiments, performing activity 1002 can be similar or identicalto determining a temperature of the first endogenously generated heat asdescribed above with respect to water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 )and/or water generating unit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, activity 901 comprises activity 1003 ofdetermining a rate of flow of the exogenously generated heat. In someembodiments, performing activity 1003 is similar or identical todetermining a rate of flow of the exogenously generated heat asdescribed above with respect to water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 )and/or water generating unit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, activity 901 comprises activity 1004 ofdetermining a temperature of the exogenously generated heat. In someembodiments, performing activity 1004 is similar or identical todetermining a temperature of the exogenously generated heat as describedabove with respect to water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 ) and/or watergenerating unit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, activity 901 comprises activity 1005 ofdetermining at least one alternative use for the exogenously generatedheat. In some embodiments, performing activity 1005 is similar oridentical to determining at least one alternative use for theexogenously generated heat as described above with respect to watergenerating system 300 (FIG. 1 ) and/or water generating unit controlsystem 314 (FIG. 1 ).

Referring again to FIG. 9 , in various embodiments, method 900 comprisesactivity 902 of making available one or more regeneration fluids to anheat exchanger of the water generating unit. In some embodiments,performing activity 902 is similar or identical to making available oneor more regeneration fluids to an heat exchanger of the water generatingunit as described above with respect to water generating system 300(FIG. 1 ) and/or water generating unit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ).Further, the heat exchanger can be similar or identical to heatexchanger 304 (FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, activity 902 is performedafter activity 901.

In various embodiments, method 900 comprises activity 903 of generatingwater with the water generating unit using the exogenously generatedheat. In some embodiments, performing activity 903 is similar oridentical to generating water with the water generating unit using theexogenously generated heat as described above with respect to watergenerating system 300 (FIG. 1 ) and/or water generating unit controlsystem 314 (FIG. 1 ).

Turning ahead again in the drawings, FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chartfor an embodiment of a method 1100. Method 1100 is merely exemplary andis not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Method 1100 can beemployed in many different embodiments or examples not specificallydepicted or described herein. In some embodiments, the activities ofmethod 1100 is performed in the order presented. In other embodiments,the activities of the method 1100 is performed in any other suitableorder. In still other embodiments, one or more of the activities inmethod 1100 is combined or skipped.

In various embodiments, method 1100 is implemented via execution ofcomputer instructions configured to run at one or more processors andconfigured to be stored at one or more non-transitory memory storagedevices. In some embodiments, the processor(s) are similar or identicalto the processor(s) described above with respect to computer system 100(FIG. 2 ), and/or the non-transitory memory storage device(s) aresimilar or identical to the non-transitory memory storage device(s)described above with respect to computer system 100 (FIG. 2 ). Further,the processor(s) and/or non-transitory memory storage device(s) are partof a water generating unit control system, which can be similar oridentical to water generating unit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, method 1100 comprises activity 1101 ofevaluating whether to use an exhaust process fluid to generate waterwith a water generating unit. In some embodiments, performing activity1101 is similar or identical to evaluating whether to use an exhaustprocess fluid to generate water with a water generating unit asdescribed above with respect to water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 )and/or water generating unit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ). Further, thewater generating unit can be similar or identical to water generatingunit 301 (FIG. 1 ). Also, the exhaust process fluid can be similar oridentical to the exhaust process fluid generated by exhaust processfluid source 393 (FIG. 1 ) as described above with respect to watergenerating system 300 (FIG. 1 ) and/or water generating unit controlsystem 314 (FIG. 1 ). FIG. 12 illustrates a flow chart for an exemplaryactivity 901, according to the embodiment of FIG. 11 .

In various embodiments, activity 1101 comprises activity 1201 ofdetermining a back pressure acting on the exhaust process fluid. In someembodiments, performing activity 1201 is similar or identical todetermining a back pressure acting on the exhaust process fluid asdescribed above with respect to water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 )and/or water generating unit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, activity 1101 comprises activity 1202 ofdetermining a flow rate of the exhaust process fluid. In someembodiments, performing activity 1202 is similar or identical todetermining a flow rate of the exhaust process fluid as described abovewith respect to water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 ) and/or watergenerating unit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, activity 1101 comprises activity 1203 ofdetermining a relative humidity of an atmospheric process fluid. In someembodiments, performing activity 1203 is similar or identical todetermining a relative humidity of an atmospheric process fluid asdescribed above with respect to water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 )and/or water generating unit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ). Further, theatmospheric process fluid can be similar or identical to the atmosphericprocess fluid described above with respect to water generating system300 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, activity 1101 comprises activity 1204 ofdetermining a relative humidity of the exhaust process fluid. In someembodiments, performing activity 1204 is similar or identical todetermining a relative humidity of the exhaust process fluid asdescribed above with respect to water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 )and/or water generating unit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, activity 1101 comprises activity 1205 ofdetermining a chemistry of the exhaust process fluid. In someembodiments, performing activity 1205 is similar or identical todetermining a chemistry of the exhaust process fluid as described abovewith respect to water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 ) and/or watergenerating unit control system 314 (FIG. 1 ).

Returning to FIG. 11 , in various embodiments, method 1100 comprisesactivity 1102 of making available the exhaust process fluid to the watergenerating unit. In some embodiments, performing activity 1102 issimilar or identical to making available the exhaust process fluid tothe water generating unit as described above with respect to watergenerating system 300 (FIG. 1 ) and/or water generating unit controlsystem 314 (FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, activity 1102 is performedafter activity 1101.

In various embodiments, method 1100 comprises activity 1103 ofgenerating water with the water generating unit using the exhaustprocess fluid. In some embodiments, performing activity 1103 is similaror identical to generating water with the water generating unit usingthe exhaust process fluid as described above with respect to watergenerating system 300 (FIG. 1 ) and/or water generating unit controlsystem 314 (FIG. 1 ).

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a computer system 100,all of which or a portion of which can be suitable for (i) implementingpart or all of one or more embodiments of the techniques, methods, andsystems, and/or (ii) implementing and/or operating part or all of one ormore embodiments of the memory storage devices, as described herein. Forexample, in some embodiments, all or a portion of computer system 100are suitable for implementing part or all of one or more embodiments ofthe techniques, methods, and/or systems described herein. Furthermore,one or more elements of computer system 100 (e.g., a refreshing monitor106, a keyboard 104, and/or a mouse 110, etc.) also are appropriate forimplementing part or all of one or more embodiments of the techniques,methods, and/or systems described herein.

In many embodiments, computer system 100 comprises chassis 102containing one or more circuit boards (not shown), a Universal SerialBus (USB) port 112, a hard drive 114, and an optical disc drive 116.Meanwhile, for example, optical disc drive 116 can comprise a CompactDisc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), a Digital Video Disc (DVD) drive, or aBlu-ray drive. Still, in other embodiments, a different or separate oneof a chassis 102 (and its internal components) can be suitable forimplementing part or all of one or more embodiments of the techniques,methods, and/or systems described herein.

In various embodiments, computer system 100 is configured to receivedata from one or more sensors of water generating system 300, calculatea value from the received data, compare the value to a predeterminedthreshold, and control a component of water generating system 300 inresponse to the comparison. For example, a processor of computer system100 may be configured to instruct water generating system 300 to openthe valve(s) of the conduit(s) coupling blower 307 to exhaust processfluid source 393 in response to back pressure acting on the exhaustprocess fluid lower than a predetermined pressure. A processor ofcomputer system 100 may be configured to instruct water generatingsystem 300 to open the valve(s) of the conduit(s) coupling blower 307 toexhaust process fluid source in response to a flow rate of exhaustprocess fluid below a predetermined flow rate. A processor of computersystem 100 may be configured to instruct water generating system 300 toclose the electrical switch(es) of the electrical line configured toelectrically couple exogenous electricity source 392 to secondendogenous heat source 303 and/or open the valve(s) of the conduit(s)configured to make available the regeneration fluid(s) to secondendogenous heat source 303 in response to: a buy back rate of theexogenously generated electricity generated by exogenous electricitysource 392 lower than or equal to a predetermined buy back rate, anavailable electric power greater than a predetermined potential electricpower, a temperature of an inverter of exogenous electricity sourcegreater than or equal to a predetermined temperature, an availablequantity of stored water less than a predetermined quantity of storedwater, a forecasted ambient air relative humidity below a predeterminedhumidity, and/or a quantity of materials toxic to humans, pets, and/orother materials in the process fluid(s) at a predetermined quantity.

FIG. 3 illustrates a representative block diagram of exemplary elementsincluded on the circuit boards inside chassis 102 (FIG. 2 ). Forexample, a central processing unit (CPU) 210 is coupled to a system bus214. In various embodiments, the architecture of CPU 210 can becompliant with any of a variety of commercially distributed architecturefamilies.

In various embodiments, system bus 214 also is coupled to a memorystorage unit 208, where memory storage unit 208 comprises (i)non-volatile memory, such as, for example, read only memory (ROM) and/or(ii) volatile memory, such as, for example, random access memory (RAM).The non-volatile memory can be removable and/or non-removablenon-volatile memory. Meanwhile, RAM can include dynamic RAM (DRAM),static RAM (SRAM), etc. Further, ROM can include mask-programmed ROM,programmable ROM (PROM), one-time programmable ROM (OTP), erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasableprogrammable ROM (EEPROM) (e.g., electrically alterable ROM (EAROM)and/or flash memory), etc. In these or other embodiments, memory storageunit 208 can comprise (i) non-transitory memory and/or (ii) transitorymemory.

The memory storage device(s) of the various embodiments disclosed hereincan comprise memory storage unit 208, an external memory storage drive(not shown), such as, for example, a USB-equipped electronic memorystorage drive coupled to universal serial bus (USB) port 112 (FIGS. 2 &3 ), hard drive 114 (FIGS. 2 & 3 ), optical disc drive 116 (FIGS. 2 & 3), a floppy disk drive (not shown), etc. As used herein, non-volatileand/or non-transitory memory storage device(s) refer to the portions ofthe memory storage device(s) that are non-volatile and/or non-transitorymemory.

In various examples, portions of the memory storage device(s) of thevarious embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., portions of the non-volatilememory storage device(s)) can be encoded with a boot code sequencesuitable for restoring computer system 100 (FIG. 2 ) to a functionalstate after a system reset. In addition, portions of the memory storagedevice(s) of the various embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., portions ofthe non-volatile memory storage device(s)) can comprise microcode suchas a Basic Input-Output System (BIOS) or Unified Extensible FirmwareInterface (UEFI) operable with computer system 100 (FIG. 2 ). In thesame or different examples, portions of the memory storage device(s) ofthe various embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., portions of thenon-volatile memory storage device(s)) can comprise an operating system,which can be a software program that manages the hardware and softwareresources of a computer and/or a computer network. Meanwhile, theoperating system can perform basic tasks such as, for example,controlling and allocating memory, prioritizing the processing ofinstructions, controlling input and output devices, facilitatingnetworking, and managing files. Exemplary operating systems can comprise(i) Microsoft® Windows® operating system (OS) by Microsoft Corp. ofRedmond, Washington, United States of America, (ii) Mac® OS by AppleInc. of Cupertino, California, United States of America, (iii) UNIX® OS,and (iv) Linux® OS. Further exemplary operating systems can comprise (i)iOS™ by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, California, United States of America,(ii) the Blackberry® OS by Research In Motion (RIM) of Waterloo,Ontario, Canada, (iii) the Android™ OS developed by the Open HandsetAlliance, or (iv) the Windows Mobile™ OS by Microsoft Corp. of Redmond,Washington, United States of America. Further, as used herein, the term“computer network” can refer to a collection of computers and devicesinterconnected by communications channels that facilitate communicationsamong users and allow users to share resources (e.g., an internetconnection, an Ethernet connection, etc.). The computers and devices canbe interconnected according to any conventional network topology (e.g.,bus, star, tree, linear, ring, mesh, etc.).

As used herein, the term “processor” means any type of computationalcircuit, such as but not limited to a microprocessor, a microcontroller,a controller, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor,a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, a very longinstruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, a graphics processor, a digitalsignal processor, or any other type of processor or processing circuitcapable of performing the desired functions. In some examples, the oneor more processors of the various embodiments disclosed herein cancomprise CPU 210.

In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 3 , various I/O devices such as adisk controller 204, a graphics adapter 224, a video controller 202, akeyboard adapter 226, a mouse adapter 206, a network adapter 220, andother I/O devices 222 can be coupled to system bus 214. Keyboard adapter226 and mouse adapter 206 are coupled to keyboard 104 (FIGS. 2 & 3 ) andmouse 110 (FIGS. 2 & 3 ), respectively, of computer system 100 (FIG. 2). While graphics adapter 224 and video controller 202 are indicated asdistinct units in FIG. 3 , video controller 202 can be integrated intographics adapter 224, or vice versa in other embodiments. Videocontroller 202 is suitable for refreshing monitor 106 (FIGS. 2 & 3 ) todisplay images on a screen 108 (FIG. 2 ) of computer system 100 (FIG. 2). Disk controller 204 can control hard drive 114 (FIGS. 2 & 3 ), USBport 112 (FIGS. 2 & 3 ), and CD-ROM drive 116 (FIGS. 2 & 3 ). In otherembodiments, distinct units can be used to control each of these devicesseparately.

Network adapter 220 can be suitable to connect computer system 100 (FIG.2 ) to a computer network by wired communication (e.g., a wired networkadapter) and/or wireless communication (e.g., a wireless networkadapter). In some embodiments, network adapter 220 is plugged or coupledto an expansion port (not shown) in computer system 100 (FIG. 2 ). Inother embodiments, network adapter 220 is built into computer system 100(FIG. 2 ). For example, network adapter 220 can be built into computersystem 100 (FIG. 2 ) by being integrated into the motherboard chipset(not shown), or implemented via one or more dedicated communicationchips (not shown), connected through a PCI (peripheral componentinterconnector) or a PCI express bus of computer system 100 (FIG. 2 ) orUSB port 112 (FIG. 2 ).

Returning now to FIG. 2 , although many other components of computersystem 100 are not shown, such components and their interconnection arewell known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, furtherdetails concerning the construction and composition of computer system100 and the circuit boards inside chassis 102 are not discussed herein.

Meanwhile, when computer system 100 is running, program instructions(e.g., computer instructions) stored on one or more of the memorystorage device(s) of the various embodiments disclosed herein can beexecuted by CPU 210 (FIG. 3 ). At least a portion of the programinstructions, stored on these devices, can be suitable for carrying outat least part of the techniques, methods, and activities of the methodsdescribed herein. In various embodiments, computer system 100 can bereprogrammed with one or more systems, applications, and/or databases toconvert computer system 100 from a general purpose computer to a specialpurpose computer.

Further, although computer system 100 is illustrated as a desktopcomputer in FIG. 2 , in many examples, computer system 100 can have adifferent form factor while still having functional elements similar tothose described for computer system 100. In some embodiments, computersystem 100 comprises a single computer, a single server, or a cluster orcollection of computers or servers, or a cloud of computers or servers.Typically, a cluster or collection of servers can be used when thedemand on computer system 100 exceeds the reasonable capability of asingle server or computer. In certain embodiments, computer system 100comprises an embedded system.

Although the disclosure has been made with reference to specificembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scopeof the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments isintended to be illustrative of the scope of the disclosure and is notintended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the disclosureshall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims. Forexample, to one of ordinary skill in the art, it will be readilyapparent that any element of FIGS. 1-12 may be modified, and that theforegoing discussion of certain of these embodiments does notnecessarily represent a complete description of all possibleembodiments. For example, one or more of the activities of the methodsdescribed herein may include different activities and be performed bymany different elements, in many different orders. As another example,the elements within water generating system 300 (FIG. 1 ) can beinterchanged or otherwise modified.

Generally, replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutesreconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages,and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specificembodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and anyelement or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solutionto occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed ascritical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all ofthe claims, unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements arestated in such claim.

Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicatedto the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/orlimitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are orare potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations inthe claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of generating water comprising:providing a water generating unit comprising: a first endogenous heatsource configured to generate heat, a desiccation device coupled thefirst endogenous heat source, and a condenser coupled to the desiccationdevice; evaluating whether to use exogenous electricity, exogeneousheat, or a combination thereof to generate water with the watergenerating unit to supplement or substitute the heat generated by thefirst endogenous heat source; and, making the exogenous electricity, theexogeneous heat, or a combination thereof available to the watergenerating unit to supplement or substitute the heat generated by thefirst endogenous heat source.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein thefirst endogenous heat source comprises a solar thermal heater, aphotovoltaic cell configured to generate electricity, or a combinationthereof.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: detecting, by asensor, sensed information; and, evaluating whether to use exogenouselectricity, exogeneous heat, or a combination thereof to generate waterbased on the sensed information.
 4. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: generating heat with a second endogenous heat source of thewater generating unit to supplement or substitute the heat generated bythe first endogenous heat source of the water generating unit.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, further comprising making the second endogenous heatsource available to one or more regeneration fluids in the watergenerating unit.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the first endogenousheat source is a solar thermal heater and the second endogenous heatsource is an electric heater.
 7. The method of claim 4, wherein thesecond endogenous heat source is configured to receive electricitygenerated by a photovoltaic cell, the exogenous electricity, or acombination thereof.
 8. The method of claim 4, further comprising usingthe exogenous electricity, the exogenous heat or a combination thereofto supplement or substitute the heat generated by the first endogenousheat source when a temperature or heat flow rate of the heat generatedby the second endogenous heat source is greater than a temperature orheat flow rate of the heat generated by the first endogenous heatsource.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein making the exogenouselectricity, the exogeneous heat, or a combination thereof available tothe water generating unit comprises: making the exogenous heat availableto a heat exchanger of the water generating unit; making the exogenouselectricity available to a second endogenous heat source of the watergenerating unit; or, a combination thereof.
 10. The method of claim 1,wherein the evaluating whether to use the exogenous electricity, theexogeneous heat, or a combination thereof comprises: determining a buyback rate of the exogeneous electricity generated by an exogenouselectricity source, determining a temperature of an inverter of anexogenous electricity source, determining an available electric power ofthe exogeneous electricity generated by an exogenous electricity source,determining a potential available electric power of the exogenouselectricity generated by an exogenous electricity source, determining adesired size of the water generating unit, determining a desired weightof the water generating unit, or a combination thereof.
 11. The methodof claim 1, wherein the evaluating whether to use the exogenouselectricity, the exogeneous heat, or a combination thereof to generatewater with the water generating unit comprises: determining an ambientair temperature at the water generating unit, determining an ambient airrelative humidity at the water generating unit, determining atemperature of an exhaust process fluid, determining a relative humidityof an exhaust process fluid, determining a temperature of the heatgenerated by the first endogenous heat source, determining a heat flowrate of the heat generated by the first endogenous heat source,determining a temperature of heat generated by a second endogenous heatsource, determining a heat flow rate of heat generated by a secondendogenous heat source, determining a temperature of the exogeneous heatreceived by a heat exchanger, determining a heat flow rate of theexogeneous heat received by a heat exchanger, or a combination thereof.12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: evaluating whether to usean exhaust process fluid to generate water with the water generatingunit, making the exhaust process fluid available to the desiccationdevice; and generating water using the exhaust process fluid.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the evaluating whether to use the exhaustprocess fluid comprises: determining a relative humidity of the exhaustprocess fluid, determining a temperature of the exhaust process fluid,determining an ambient relative humidity at the water generating unit,determining an ambient air temperature at the water generating unit,determining a back pressure acting on the exhaust pressure fluid,determining a flow rate of the exhaust process fluid, determining achemistry of the exhaust process fluid, determining a buy back rate ofthe exogenous electricity, determining an available electric power ofthe exogenous electricity generated by an exogenous electricity source,determining a temperature of the exogenous heat, determining a heat flowrate of the exogenous heat, determining a temperature of the heatgenerated by the first endogenous heat source, determining a heat flowrate of the exogenous heat source, determining a temperature of heatgenerated by a second endogenous heat source, determining a heat flowrate of heat generated by a second endogenous heat source, or acombination thereof.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein evaluatingwhether to use the exogenous electricity, the exogeneous heat, or acombination thereof to generate water comprises: determining anavailable quantity of stored water; determining a water use pattern;determining a weather forecast; or, a combination thereof.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, further comprising using the exogenous electricity,the exogenous heat or a combination thereof to supplement or substitutethe heat generated by the first endogenous heat source when the wateruse pattern indicates that there is less water available than the usercustomarily uses at a relevant increment of time.
 16. The method ofclaim 14, further comprising using the exogenous electricity, theexogenous heat or a combination thereof to supplement or substitute theheat generated by the first endogenous heat source when the weatherforecast indicates a cloudy condition, an ambient air relative humidityis or will be below a predetermined humidity, or a combination thereof.17. The method of claim 1, further comprising using the exogenouselectricity, the exogenous heat or a combination thereof to supplementor substitute the heat generated by the first endogenous heat sourcewhen: a temperature of an inverter of an exogenous electricity source isgreater than or equal to a predetermined temperature; an availableelectric power of the exogenous electricity generated by an exogenouselectricity source is greater than a predetermined electric power; a buyback rate of the exogenous electricity generated by an exogenouselectricity source is less than or equal to a predetermined buy backrate; or a combination thereof.
 18. A method of generating watercomprising: circulating a regeneration fluid in a water generating unitfrom a first endogenous heat source to a desiccation device, to acondenser, and back to the first endogenous heat source; evaluatingwhether to use exogenous electricity, exogeneous heat, or a combinationthereof to generate water with the water generating unit to supplementor substitute the heat generated by the first endogenous heat source.19. The method of claim 18, further comprising circulating theregeneration fluid to a second endogenous heat source, to a heatexchanger configured to receive exogenous heat, or a combination thereofto provide thermal energy to the regeneration fluid so that theregeneration fluid is heated upon arriving at desiccation device. 20.The method of claim 18, wherein evaluating whether to use the exogenouselectricity, the exogeneous heat, or a combination thereof comprises:determining a buy back rate of the exogeneous electricity generated byan exogenous electricity source, determining an available quantity ofstored water; determining a water use pattern; determining a weatherforecast; or, a combination thereof.